Alex Chilton passed away this evening (yesterday) in New Orleans. Â The former Big Star and Boxtops frontman was 59. Â
The Boxtops had a hit in 1967 with the Top 40 classic “The Letter”. Â Big Star never came close to commercial success during their brief tenure with Stax Records in the early to mid-70’s. Â Plagued by unsure marketing and abysmally poor distribution, the band was heard by few, save a handful of fawning critics. Â Yet, it was Big Star’s records that would be Chilton’s legacy, influencing hundreds of bands to follow. Â Among the bands that would cite Big Star as an influence included REM, Wilco, Whiskeytown, Teenage Fanclub, and The Replacements. Â The latter of whom would title a song on their 1987 record “Alex Chilton” after the cult hero.
Big Star reformed in 1993 and have toured sporadically since. Â Chilton was even slated to play at SXSW this week, but alas it was not to be. Â I have to admit, I have paid little to no attention to Chilton’s post Big Star work (probably to my detriment). Â However, Big Star’s debut #1 Record is one of the most beautiful records ever made, bar none. Â Chilton’s trio of ballads on that record, “The Ballad of El Goodo”, “Thirteen”, and “Watch the Sunrise”, make him a legend in my book. Â Rest in Peace Mr. Chilton, and thanks for the tunes.
About the author: Specializes in Dead, Drunk, and Nakedness..... Former College Radio DJ and Current Craft Beer Nerd