The New York Times reports Alex Chilton, the man behind the Box Tops and Big Star has died in New Orleans.
As the lead singer and guitarist of the Box Tops, Chilton had his first taste of success. Chilton’s wrote his first hit song, “The Letter” in 1967. When the group broke up in 1970, Chilton formed Big Star. Big Star is largely thought of as one of the most influential American bands with bands like R.E.M., Buffalo Tom, and others sighting them as major influences. The band’s most recognizable song “Thirteen” has been covered by the likes of the Lemonheads, Garbage, Kind of Like Spitting, Mary Lou Lord, Magnapop, Elliot Smith, and Wilco among others.
The cause of death is believed to have been a heart attack. Chilton was 59.
MP3: Big Star “Thirteen”