Kurt Cobain's legacy: 30 years since his death -

During a time when MTV was dominated by hair metal bands, Nirvana brought back the rawness of rock 'n' roll that resonated with so many people. But who were the artists that inspired front man Kurt Cobain to create such iconic songs and make Seattle the epicenter of rock music in the '90s?

Luckily, Cobain left some notes in his journals listing his favorite albums. Take a look!

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The Beatles - 'Meet the Beatles' - This album by the Fab Four made an impact on Cobain during his formative years. He was particularly fond of John Lennon.

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David Bowie - 'The Man Who Sold the World' - A reference for many musicians, David Bowie also influenced Cobain's work. Nirvana covered 'The Man Who Sold the World' in their 1993 'MTV Unplugged in New York' album.

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Iggy and the Stooges - 'Raw Power' -

Released in 1973, this proto-punk classic was produced by both Iggy Pop and David Bowie. It's arguably one of the greatest albums in the history of rock.

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Aerosmith - 'Rocks' - This album inspired countless artists, including Guns N' Roses and Metallica. So it doesn't come as a surprise that it also influenced Kurt Cobain.

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The Clash - 'Combat Rock' - Another great punk rock album, 'Combat Rock' included hits such as 'Should I Stay or Should I Go' and 'Rock the Casbah.'

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R.E.M. - 'Green' - The alternative rock band lead by Michael Stipe also played an important role in Kurt Cobain's sound.

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Pixies - 'Surfer Rosa' -

Pixies' influence on Nirvana's sound is clear, and Kurt Cobain always cited them as a band he looked up to.

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Sonic Youth - 'Daydream Nation' - Sonic Youth clearly inspired Nirvana to get creative and explore new sounds. The two bands went on tour together in 1991.

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Black Flag - 'My War and Damaged' - The godfathers of hardcore punk, Black Flag, are also listed as an influence. Both Henry Rollins and Kurt Cobain's music resonated with the youth of the time.

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Mudhoney - 'Superfuzz Bigmuff' - One of the most influential bands in the Seattle music scene also struck a chord with Kurt Cobain. Truth be said, there would be no grunge without Mudhoney.

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Public Enemy - 'It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back' - The only hip-hop album to make the cut, this classic record by East Coast rappers Public Enemy features hits such as 'Bring the Noise' and 'Don't Believe the Hype.'

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PJ Harvey - 'Dry' - Polly Jean Harvey's debut album, 'Dry' was released in 1992. Cobain listed it as one of his favorites.

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Lead Belly - 'Lead Belly’s Last Sessions Volume 1' - Cobain also listed the late blues musician as an influence. Nirvana covered 'Where Did You Sleep Last Night?' at the band's 'MTV Unplugged' session in 1993.

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The Vaselines - 'Dying For It EP' -

Cobain loved this Scottish alternative rock band. So much so that Nirvana covered two of their songs: 'Molly's Lips' and 'Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam.'

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Public Image Ltd - 'The Flowers of Romance' - Nirvana's late front man really liked this album by PiL, a band fronted by John Lydon (also known as Johnny Rotten from the Sex Pistols).

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The Knack - 'Get the Knack' - The album, best known for the hit single 'My Sharona,' also influenced the way Cobain wrote music.

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Mazzy Star - 'She Hangs Brightly' - The dreamy sound of Hope Sandoval's voice made an impact on Kurt Cobain, who listed the band's first album as a favorite.

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The Breeders - 'Pod' - The debut album by the band fronted by Kim Deal (Pixies) and her sister Kelley Deal is also listed as an influence.

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Bad Brains - 'Rock for Light' - DC punk rockers Bad Brains also influenced how Kurt Cobain wrote music.

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The Raincoats - 'The Raincoats' -

Cobain was a fan of the British post-punk band, and this was his favorite album of theirs.

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Gang of Four - 'Entertainment!' - Another British band on the list, Gang of Four fit well with Cobain's taste for post-punk acts.

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Scratch Acid - 'Scratch Acid EP' -

Scratch Acid was David Yow's former band. Nirvana released a split 7" single with his new band, The Jesus Lizard.

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Saccharine Trust - 'Paganicons' -

This is the LA band's debut EP. Kurt Cobain listed it as one of his favorites.

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Young Marble Giants - 'Colossal Youth' -

Cobain liked some obscure post-punk acts, and this trio from Wales also makes the list.

See also: Musical artists who died young

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