’90s Rock Icon, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Rock Lead Singers of All Time,’ Worked as a Janitor at Aberdeen School

Kurt Cobain became one of the most influential figures in ‘90s rock music and eventually ranked among the “greatest rock lead singers of all time” after fronting the iconic band Nirvana.

Billboard included Cobain among the top 50 most celebrated frontmen in rock history, securing the No. 5 spot. 

The publication emphasized his “kinetic stage presence” that captivated the audience instead of flashy stage production. 

Co-founded by the late rock star, Nirvana was formed in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1987, alongside co-founder Krist Novoselic on bass guitar and later joined by Dave Grohl as the drummer in 1990.

It was their sophomore album, Nevermind, that put the band at the forefront of the grunge movement with the release of its explosive lead single, “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”

The record was so popular that it dethroned Michael Jackson’s album Dangerous from the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 and remained at the top of the chart for two weeks.

As for the song, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” may not be a chart-topping hit, only peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it earned high placements on several acclaimed rankings.

This includes NME’s list of the 100 Greatest Singles of All Time at No. 2 and Kerrang!’s list of the 100 Greatest Singles of All Time, where it ranked No. 1.

With standout tracks, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction and Grammy recognitions for the band, Cobain had come a long way from his humble beginnings.

Long before Nirvana rose to fame and he became a music icon, the young Cobain lived a very different life in his hometown of Aberdeen.

Driven largely by his passion for music, Cobain worked odd jobs to help support himself and Nirvana’s early career.

According to Far Out Magazine, the late musician briefly worked as a janitor at Aberdeen High School, where he had spent his early years as a student before eventually leaving school without graduating.

After work, he would return to his rented flat on N. Michigan Street, where many of Nirvana’s early songs were written.

“Here was a man who would never clean his kitchen or take out the garbage, or do those kinds of chores, but Kurt Cobain was not a lazy person,” Novoselic recalled, adding. “Basically, he cleaned toilets – that’s how he paid for (our) demo.”

Cobain’s demanding routine was one example of the dedication that characterized the band’s early years.

That dedication was also reflected in comments from producer Butch Vig, who spoke about the late frontman’s strong work ethic and determination.

“Some people don’t know this, but before they came in, they rehearsed every day for six months, like, 10 hours a day,” Vig shared at the Yellow Phone Music Conference in Milwaukee, via Ultimate Guitar. “Kurt – contrary to the slacker attitude – he wanted to have a hit record. He wanted to make a really good-sounding album.”

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