The awesome story of Temple Of The Dog's 'Hunger Strike'

Temple Of The Dog’s short-lived status as a Seattle rock supergroup got its start as a tribute project for the late Andrew Wood of Mother Love Bone, and ended up yielding one self-titled album that became a platinum seller. The idea to record songs for Wood, who died of an overdose at age 24, was the late Chris Cornell of Soundgarden’s way of coping with the grief of losing his friend, and the band he recruited as the songs became a full album included not only fellow Seattle musicians who would go on to form Pearl Jam, but a then-unknown singer who had flown up from San Diego, Eddie Vedder. Unpack the touching history of this classic tune in this episode of the Behind The Song podcast.

Music Producer: Christian Lane
Video Director: Eva Empleo

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About Janda:
Behind The Song podcast host and creator Janda Lane is a radio DJ at WDRV-FM in Chicago, the city she calls home with her husband and podcast partner, Christian Lane, and their two cats, Ollie and Liam.

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[MistressMusic]

Beautiful song. I still miss Chris Cornell.😢

[traveleractual]

I've always loved this song, and the emotion that both singers clearly put into it. Thanks for the great story on how it all came together.

[BubblegumCrash]

I was only ten in 91 but it felt like it was the Avengers coming together for the first time. This song was just special

[PaulJackson]

First time ever heard Cornell's voice was on the radio. I didn't know who he was back then because I was probably five or six years old. Cornell was with Soundgarden and the song Black Hole Sun was climbing the charts at the time. Black Hole Sun btw, would make a good future episode for you guys. He's another great one who we've tragically lost.

I also have so many suggestions for future Behind The Song Episodes

Simple Man - Lynard Skynard
Mama I'm Comin' Home - Ozzy Osbourne
Hotel California - Eagles
Gimmie Shelter - Rolling Stones
Numb - Linkin Park
Pink Houses - John Mellencamp
45 - Shinedown
Mary Jane's Last Dance - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
I Love Rock n Roll - Joan Jett and The Blackhearts (Which I do know somewhat the origin of that song)

I know that's a lot but so many great classic and more modern rock songs to dive deep into.

[kdawgaz]

Good song and great background on it. Ty.

[michaeljamesmccabe]

Thumbs up and supporting. Just because this is a great jumping off point…for someone at least.

[DonaldAnderson-ztik]

It is not, I'm growing hungry. It is I'm going hungry.