Alex Chilton: R.I.P.

HYPER INFLUENTIAL POP ROCK ICON PASSES AWAY

Alex Chilton

Alex Chilton died at a New Orleans hospital last evening, Wednesday, March 17, 2010. After complaining about his health during the day, he could not be revived after he was taken to the emergency room. The cause of death is believed to be a heart attack, but that has not been confirmed. He was 59 years old.

After scoring an international number one single in 1967 with “The Letter” as part of The Box Tops, Chilton co-founded one of the single most influential groups in rock & roll history, Big Star. Through that band and his circuitous solo career, Chilton influenced several generations of rock singer-songwriters and was enjoying a renaissance amongst younger listeners with the reunited Big Star, who were scheduled to perform this weekend at SXSW.

For more on Chilton and his passing, check out this excellent article at The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, TN.