Kurt Cobain

Background

Kurt Donald Cobain was born in Aberdeen, Washington on February 20, 1967. His father, Donald Leland Cobain (born 1946), was an automotive mechanic who worked at Derrell Thompson Chevron Station. His mother was a waitress named Wendy Elizabeth (born in 1948). Cobain’s Irish ancestors emigrated from Carrickmore, County Tyrone, Ireland in 1875. They settled in Ontario, Canada before moving to Washington. Cobain’s family had a musical background. His uncle, Chuck Fradenburg played in a band; his aunt, Mari Earle, was a guitarist. His great-uncle, Delbert McClinton was an Irish tenor who made an appearance in the 1930 film “King of Jazz.”

Cobain enrolled at Robert Gray Elementary School in 1972. He began developing an interest in music when he was two. He had a very normal childhood until his parents divorced in 1975. This event was later cited by Cobain himself as having a significant impact on his life. According to his mother, his personality changed dramatically, and he became more withdrawn. After staying with his mother for one year following the divorce, he moved to Montesano, Washington where he stayed with his father and transferred to Beacon Elementary School. They lived together until the second year of high school then went back to live with his mother. Two weeks before graduation, he dropped out and his mother kicked him out. He spent the next few years living with friends.

Cobain’s affinity for music started when he was very young. He would draw his favorite characters from films and comics. When Cobain was in high school, he attended live shows and rock concerts. On his 14th birthday, his uncle gave him a guitar as a gift. Soon he began working on his songs.