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Big Star Singer and Cult Icon Alex Chilton Dead at 59
The Rock and Roll Report —
Photo: Michael Ochs Archive/Getty
Alex Chilton, singer and guitarist of Big Star, one of the most influential rock groups to emerge from the early 1970s, has passed away at the age of 59. Chilton reportedly suffered a heart attack today in New Orleans, just days before Big Star were scheduled to perform at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas. Chilton had been complaining about his health earlier in the day, and was eventually taken to a New Orleans hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Big Star drummer Jody Stephens confirmed Chilton’s passing, Memphis’ Commercial Appeal reports. ...
Alex Chilton, 1950-2010
Pop Culture Dish —
Singer-musician Alex Chilton, who experienced mainstream success in the 1960s with The Box Tops and later achieved cult hero status as one of the founders of Big Star, died Wednesday of an apparent heart attack at the age of 59. As the teen-aged lead singer of The Box Tops, Chilton belted out such pop/soul nuggets as The Letter, Cry Like A Baby, and Soul Deep. It's hard to believe the gruff voice that fronted The Box Tops' records came from a kid not even old enough to get into bars legally. Allegedly, the soulful voice he used as The Box Tops lead vocalist was due to lack of sleep. The Box Tops are ...
Alex Chilton Dies
Classic Rock —
Alex Chilton, who made his name with Box Tops and Big Star, has died at the age of 59 from a suspected heart attack.
The singer first had success in the 1960s with soul rockers Box Tops. Their biggest hit was The Letter, which was a number one single in America in 1967, when Chilton was just 16. When the band split up in 1970, Chilton turned down the chance to join Blood, Sweat & Tears because they were too commercial. Instead he became a member of cult power pop band Big Star, who’ve become a significant influence on many bands, including R.E.M.
In recent years, Chilton (who lived in New Orleans) has ...
