Jerry Cantrell
Jerry Cantrell is an American musician best known as the lead guitarist, co-lead vocalist, and main songwriter of the rock band Alice in Chains. Originating from Tacoma, Washington, his guitar-playing and songwriting abilities have significantly contributed to the band’s success and his individual prominence in the world of music.
In Cantrell’s expansive discography, standout albums such as “Dirt” and “Jar of Flies” have been instrumental in establishing the grunge sound of the 90s, with the band Alice in Chains. The 1992 album, “Dirt,” was a commercial success, boasting singles like “Would?” and “Rooster” that continue to define the era. Following the success of the band, Cantrell embarked on a solo career with the release of his debut album “Boggy Depot” in 1998. The record received positive reviews and showcased Cantrell’s songwriting and musical versatility.
Cantrell’s music career has also been marked by collaborations with numerous celebrities. These include collaborations with fellow grunge scene heavyweights like Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, as well as collaborations outside of the genre with artists such as country music star Dolly Parton. Cantrell performed on Metallica’s 30th-anniversary shows and collaborated with Pantera’s Phil Anselmo. He also shared stages with performers like Nancy Wilson of Heart and Ann Wilson, and collaborated with artists like Chris Cornell of Soundgarden, Maynard James Keenan of Tool, and Ozzy Osbourne.
Cantrell’s contribution to music has been recognized through several awards and recognitions. For instance, he received the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award at the 7th annual MusiCares MAP Fund Benefit Concert in 2012 for his commitment to helping other addicts with the recovery process. In 2020, he received the prestigious Les Paul Award at the 35th Annual Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC) Awards. These awards pay testament to his remarkable career in the music industry.
Apart from his musical career, Cantrell is known for his animal advocacy work. He is a supporter of several animal non-profit organizations and has been vocal about his love for animals. One noteworthy example is his participation in the “Rock to the Rescue” concert following the 9/11 attacks, which raised money for the ASPCA and other animal rescue organizations.