Original: Members prior to break-up Chris Cornell Active : 1984 -- 1997 Instruments : vocals , guitar Release contributions : all Soundgarden releases Chris Cornell was a member of the original band formed in 1984 .
Simplified: Kim Thayil Active : 1984 -- 1997 Instruments : guitar Release contributions : all Soundgarden releases Kim Thayil was a member of the original band formed in 1984 .