Chris Cornell Sings Whitney Houston Hit at Obama Fundraiser

2012-02-18

Story by Anne Erickson

Soundgarden crooner pays tribute to the late Whitney Houston at fundraiser for President Obama

Campaign fundraising season is in full swing, and Thursday (Feb. 16), Chris Cornell — famed frontman of ‘90s grunge rock originals Soundgarden and former rock supergroup Audioslave — played a set at the Nob Hill Masonic Center in San Francisco in support of President Obama’s re-election campaign. Roughly 2,500 supporters came out for the event. Entry to the show ran as little as $100 for a spot in the audience to as much as $7,500 for a photo with the president.

As part of his set, Cornell sang Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun,” John Lennon’s “Imagine,” Elvis Costello’s “What’s So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding?” and a version of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” the latter as a tribute to late pop singer Whitney Houston, who made the song an anthem.

With Whitney Houston’s recent passing, musicians of ever genre have turned out to cover the talented singer’s gems, but this is one of the first times a rocker has taken on the singer’s songs following her passing, and he nails it with passion and his powerful, one-of-a-kind voice. Watch Cornell put his spin on “I Will Always Love You,” below.

In other Cornell news, while the singer is currently working with his main group, Soundgarden, to get a new album out this year, he also recently announced a gallop of solo tour dates in May. At the solo shows, expect to hear a range of rock tracks from his days with Soundgarden, Audioslave and Temple of the Dog, as well as songs from his solo collection.

Watch Chris Cornell Sing ‘I Will Always Love You’ at a Fundraiser for President Obama:

 




Anne Erickson
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