Cobain was born on February 20, 1967, at Grays Harbor Hospital in Aberdeen, Washington, the son of waitress Wendy Elizabeth (née Fradenburg; born 1948) and automotive mechanic Donald Leland Cobain (born 1946). On July 31, 1965, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, his parents married. He was descended from Dutch, English, French, German, Irish, and Scottish ancestors. In 1875, his Irish ancestors emigrated from Carrickmore, County Tyrone, Ireland. Researchers discovered that they were shoemakers with the surname “Cobane” from Inishatieve, a townland within Carrickmore. They first lived in Canada, in Cornwall, Ontario, before relocating to Washington. Cobain mistook his Irish ancestors for being from County Cork. Kimberly, his younger sister, was born on April 24, 1970.
Cobain was born into a musical family. His maternal uncle, Chuck Fradenburg, was a member of the Beachcombers; his aunt, Mari Earle, was a guitarist who performed in bands throughout Grays Harbor County; and his great-uncle, Delbert, was an Irish tenor who appeared in the 1930 film King of Jazz. Kurt was described as a happy, excitable child with sensitivity and care. His talent as an artist was evident from a young age, as he would draw in his bedroom his favorite characters from movies and cartoons, such as the Creature from the Black Lagoon and Donald Duck. His grandmother, Iris Cobain, a professional artist, encouraged him.
How old would Cobain be now?
If Kurt Cobain, who died by his own hand over 20 years ago, were alive today, he would be 55 years old.
