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Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Layne Thomas Staley (22 August 1967 – 5 April 2002). For each one of us, Layne means something different. For many, he has inspired, guided, and healed us since 1990. For others, they are just discovering his powerful vocals, prophetic lyrics, and ultimate redemption of self and soul. 

I wrote this paper for one of my classes last Fall. It serves as the introduction to my academic work on Layne Staley. There is nothing new or biographical written in this paper, for its purpose is to explain why he is and will always be an important artist for Generation X and, especially, Generation Grunge. My academic goals are to incorporate his work and the work of other Seattle Grunge artists and musicians into Art History. I believe our experiences as Generation X need to be explored, reflected upon, and academically acknowledged.   

Please remember that you are reading a graduate student’s work. It is incredibly analytical and theoretical (especially pages 6 – 8) and it will take some time to read, understand, and process. 

If you have any questions or comments, please post. Thank you for reading this and loving Layne just as much as I do.