# Kurt Cobain

> American rock musician (1967–1994)

**Wikidata**: [Q8446](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q8446)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurt_Cobain)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kurt-cobain

## Summary
Kurt Cobain was an American rock musician (1967–1994) best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the influential grunge band Nirvana. He is celebrated for co-writing the iconic song "Smells Like Teen Spirit," which became a defining anthem of the 1990s alternative rock movement and helped popularize grunge music globally.

## Biography
- Born: February 20, 1967 (Washington, United States)
- Nationality: American
- Education: Attended Washington High School and later studied at the University of Washington
- Known for: Founding Nirvana, co-writing "Smells Like Teen Spirit," and shaping the grunge music genre
- Employer(s): Nirvana (1987–1994), Fecal Matter (1985–1987)
- Field(s): Rock music, alternative rock, grunge

## Contributions
- **Nirvana**: Founded the band in 1987 with Krist Novoselic (bass) and Chad Channing (drums), later replacing Channing with Dave Grohl. Nirvana became a cornerstone of the grunge movement.
- **"Smells Like Teen Spirit"**: Co-wrote and recorded the song in 1991, which became Nirvana's breakthrough hit and a cultural phenomenon.
- **Nevermind (1991)**: Produced the album that catapulted Nirvana to global fame, featuring hits like "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and "Come As You Are."
- **Grunge Influence**: Helped define the grunge genre, which emphasized raw, distorted sound and themes of alienation and disillusionment.

## FAQs
**What was Kurt Cobain's most famous song?**
Kurt Cobain is most famous for co-writing "Smells Like Teen Spirit," the lead single from Nirvana's 1991 album *Nevermind*, which became an anthem of the grunge era and remains one of the most iconic songs of the 1990s.

**Which band did Kurt Cobain front?**
Kurt Cobain was the lead vocalist and guitarist of the American rock band Nirvana, which he founded in 1987. Nirvana became a defining band of the grunge movement in the 1990s.

**What genre of music did Kurt Cobain help popularize?**
Kurt Cobain helped popularize the grunge genre, which emerged in the mid-1980s and became prominent in the early 1990s. Grunge is characterized by its raw, distorted sound and themes of alienation and disillusionment.

**What was Kurt Cobain's educational background?**
Kurt Cobain attended Washington High School and later studied at the University of Washington, though he dropped out to pursue music full-time.

**What was Kurt Cobain's cause of death?**
Kurt Cobain died by suicide on April 5, 1994, at the age of 27. His death was widely publicized and contributed to the band's legacy as a symbol of the struggles of young musicians.

## Why They Matter
Kurt Cobain's impact on music and culture is profound. He helped define the grunge genre, which challenged the mainstream rock sound of the time and resonated with a generation of disaffected youth. His songwriting and performances, particularly with Nirvana, became anthems for a generation. Cobain's raw, confessional lyrics and rebellious spirit influenced countless musicians and solidified his place as one of the most iconic figures of alternative rock. His untimely death in 1994 added to his mystique, making him a symbol of the struggles and triumphs of young artists. The grunge movement itself, shaped by Cobain and Nirvana, remains a defining cultural force in music history.

## Notable For
- Co-wrote "Smells Like Teen Spirit," one of the most influential songs of the 1990s
- Founded Nirvana, a band that became synonymous with the grunge movement
- Helped popularize the grunge genre, which revolutionized rock music in the 1990s
- Dropped out of the University of Washington to pursue music full-time
- Died by suicide at the age of 27, contributing to his legendary status as a troubled but brilliant musician

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Kurt Donald Cobain was born on February 20, 1967, in Aberdeen, Washington, United States. He attended Washington High School and later enrolled at the University of Washington, where he studied art and music. Cobain dropped out of college in 1985 to pursue music full-time.

### Musical Beginnings
Cobain began playing guitar at a young age and formed his first band, Fecal Matter, in 1985. The band played punk rock and hardcore punk, and Cobain served as the lead vocalist and guitarist. Fecal Matter disbanded in 1987, and Cobain formed Nirvana with Krist Novoselic (bass) and Chad Channing (drums).

### Nirvana and Grunge Breakthrough
Nirvana released their debut album, *Bleach*, in 1989, which gained a cult following. The band's sound evolved into a heavier, more distorted style, which became known as grunge. Cobain co-wrote "Smells Like Teen Spirit," which was released as a single in 1991 and became a global hit. The song's success led to the release of *Nevermind*, which became one of the best-selling albums of all time and solidified Nirvana's place in music history.

### Influence and Legacy
Kurt Cobain's influence extended beyond music. His raw, confessional lyrics and rebellious spirit resonated with a generation of disaffected youth. He was a pioneer of the grunge movement, which challenged the mainstream rock sound of the time. Cobain's untimely death by suicide in 1994 added to his mystique, making him a symbol of the struggles and triumphs of young artists.

### Personal Life and Death
Cobain struggled with depression and addiction throughout his life. He married Courtney Love in 1992, and the couple had a daughter, Frances Bean Cobain, before divorcing in 1992. Cobain's personal life was often tumultuous, and he was known for his erratic behavior and public outbursts. He died by suicide on April 5, 1994, at the age of 27. His death was widely publicized and contributed to the band's legacy as a symbol of the struggles of young musicians.

### Cultural Impact
Kurt Cobain's impact on music and culture is profound. He helped define the grunge genre, which revolutionized rock music in the 1990s. His songwriting and performances, particularly with Nirvana, became anthems for a generation. Cobain's raw, confessional lyrics and rebellious spirit influenced countless musicians and solidified his place as one of the most iconic figures of alternative rock. The grunge movement itself, shaped by Cobain and Nirvana, remains a defining cultural force in music history.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Genealogics
4. datos.bne.es
5. Czech National Authority Database
6. [Source](https://www.mopop.org/about-mopop/the-mopop-blog/posts/2018/december/the-visual-art-of-kurt-cobain/)
7. [Source](https://noktonmagazine.com/nirvana-day-de-la-religion-de-buda-a-la-de-kurt-cobain/)
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. CiNii Research
11. MusicBrainz
12. [Source](https://spdblotter.seattle.gov/2014/03/31/detectives-reviews-cobain-case-which-remains-closed/)
13. [Source](https://www.dw.com/en/the-greatest-left-handed-musicians-and-how-to-become-one/a-18646703)
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. [Source](http://www.nme.com/photos/50-things-you-never-knew-about-nirvana-1413101)
16. Norwegian Authority File: Persons and Corporate Bodies
17. [Source](https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/new-kurt-cobain-death-scene-photos/)
18. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb14050526t)
19. BBC Things
20. ISWC Network
21. Quora
22. The Movie Database
23. [LIBRIS. 2007](https://libris.kb.se/katalogisering/fcrv01jz563fbjw)
24. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Kurt_Cobain-6V6P)
25. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute