Kurt Cobain was born on February 20, 1967, in Aberdeen, Washington — a small logging town tucked into the rainy Pacific Northwest. From a very young age, he showed a sharp ear for music and a natural creative streak. These early childhood photos capture a side of Cobain that the world rarely got to see: a bright-eyed kid growing up in small-town America.
Cobain’s early years were marked by curiosity and energy. He was artistic and expressive well before he ever picked up a guitar. Those who knew him as a child described him as lively and full of personality.
Things shifted dramatically when his parents divorced. Cobain was separated from his younger sister Kim, a split that hit him hard. In a 1993 interview, he described the feeling plainly: “I remember feeling ashamed, for some reason. I was ashamed of my parents. I couldn’t face some of my friends at school anymore, because I desperately wanted to have the classic, you know, typical family. Mother, father. I wanted that security.”
At nine years old, Cobain moved in with his father. His mother later said his personality changed completely after the divorce — he became defiant and withdrawn. He grew rude toward adults and began bullying a classmate at school.
His father took him to a therapist, who recommended a stable, single-family home environment. Both sides of the family tried to get his parents back together, but it never worked. On June 28, 1979, his mother signed over full custody to his father.
As Cobain entered his teenage years, his rebellion became too much for his father to manage. His dad began placing him in the care of various family members and friends. One of the more defining stops was with the Reed family — born-again Christians. While living with them, Cobain became a devoted churchgoer and attended services regularly.
He later walked away from Christianity entirely, going so far as to engage in what those around him described as “anti-God” rants. His song “Lithium” directly references his time living with the Reed family. Even so, religion remained a thread woven through his thoughts and beliefs throughout his life.
Beautiful gallery of kurt cobain a true genius and legend his spirit will never fade away thankyou for creating this i see kurt as a child and theres sadness amongst it. I see pictures of kurt with courtney love and again theres sadness behind it.
His death was a suspicicious tragedy again sadness behind it. Kurts interviews he was the geniune gentleman we love and miss you kurt xxxx you were a true legend xxxxx