When Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell appeared on the Howard Stern Show in 2011, he performed a cover of ‘Imagine’ that has prompted nearly 10 million viewers from all over the world to stop what they are doing and enjoy this beautiful song. With nearly 10 million views on YouTube alone, this cover is an absolute must-listen for fans of John Lennon, The Beatles, or just good music!
“I think this is one of the most beautiful songs ever written,” declares Stern of ‘Imagine,’ a statement with which many music fans worldwide will undoubtedly agree. “Me too,” replies Cornell, before launching into his beautiful acoustic version that really lets his raw vocal shine through. Stripped of any studio treatment or polish, you won’t hear another version that captures the aching, soulful mood behind the song so well.
The video has also brought in a slew of compliments from viewers worldwide, many of whom praise Cornell’s vocal style and his ability to make any song sound like his own. “[There are] many versions of ‘Imagine’, but now I declare, this is the best version of them all,” reads one of the video’s top comments, a statement with which we wholeheartedly agree. You heard it here first, Music Man readers!
This is not the only Lennon composition Cornell has tackled either. A few years ago he recorded a version of ‘Watching the Wheels,’ one of Lennon’s singles that was released following his untimely demise in 1980. This version hasn’t attracted quite as many views as the live cover of ‘Imagine,’ but it might be my favourite version of this song that I’ve heard!
Chris Cornell is an incredibly talented musician who is able to put his own stamp on any song that he performs. He clearly shines at covering tracks written by the legendary John Lennon, and I don’t know about you, Music Man readers, but I would love to hear him having a go at covering other Lennon tracks in the future.
Chris Cornell’s soul-stirring rendition of ‘Imagine’ continues to captivate audiences, proving his remarkable talent and ability to breathe new life into a timeless classic. Whether you are a fan of Lennon, The Beatles, or just appreciate powerful performances, this is one you must not miss! For those eager to explore more of Cornell’s extraordinary work or delve deeper into this moving cover, we’ve got some helpful links for you below.