Simplify the following text for a Grade 12 native English-speaking person.
Original: Soundgarden is an American alternative metal band formed in Seattle , Washington in 1984 by lead singer and drummer Chris Cornell , lead guitarist Kim Thayil , and bassist Hiro Yamamoto .
Simplified: Soundgarden was an American rock band formed in Seattle , Washington in 1984 by lead singer and drummer Chris Cornell , lead guitarist Kim Thayil , and bassist Hiro Yamamoto .