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Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' Remembered Nirvana's 1991 hit "Smells Like Teen Spirit" defined grunge music for a generation of music fans. On the 15th anniversary of singer Kurt Cobain's death, NPR looks back on the impact of the song with reflections from fans themselves.

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Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' Remembered

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Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' Remembered

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'Smells Like Teen Spirit': A Look Back

In 1991, Seattle was the epicenter of grunge music — loud, pared down and largely unrestrained. One of those bands, Nirvana, achieved massive success with its first major-label single, "Smells Like Teen Spirit," which today stands as the genre's most towering classic. Nirvana's singer, guitarist and songwriter, Kurt Cobain, died 15 years ago this month.

Hear the original broadcast of this segment, which aired on May 15, 2000.

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