Alex Chilton, lead singer of the Box Tops and power pop trailblazers, Big Star passed away suddenly on Wednesday, March 17 from a suspected heart attack at the age of 59 in a New Orleans hospital. Chilton and his band Big Star were booked to play the South by Southwest Festival on Saturday March 20.
Chilton, whose father Sidney Chilton was a jazz musician, grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and became the lead singer of the Devilles, who later became the Box Tops while in high school in 1966. He scored a hit record at the age of 16 with “The Letter†and later made the charts again with “Cry like a Baby†(1968) and “Soul Deep (1969).The group disbanded in 1970 and Chilton entered a different phase of his career as a solo artist. After a period of time in New York city in which Chilton honed his vocals and guitar playing (Roger McGuinn of the Byrds was an important influence in both areas), Chilton returned to Memphis in 1971 and formed Big Star with Chris Bell (Andy Hummel and Jody Stephens were also members) and recorded “In the Streets†(later “That ‘70’s Show†theme) on their debut album, “#1 Record.†The group did not enjoy much commercial success, but was a major influence on countless bands including R.E.M. The band’s melodic, guitar based, pop inspired sensibility along with cutting lyrics were lauded by critics and bands alike. Big Star’s follow ups “Radio City†and “Third†continued this rock and roll brilliance.
In 1979, Chilton recorded the solo album “Flies like Sherbert.†While panned by some, it was hailed as an innovative recording by others.In more recent years, Chilton maintained a schedule of touring as a solo act, with the Box Tops and with a reformed Big Star who released “In Space†in 2005.
He is survived by his wife Laura, son, Timothy and sister Cynthia. His tremendous influence in the music world with The Box Tops and Big Star made him a trailblazer whose light will shine forever.
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