R.I.P. Alex Chilton

Memphis singer-songwriter and leader of the much-loved 70s power-pop outfit Big Star died at the age of 59 on Wednesday of a suspected heart attack. Big Star was expected to play a showcase at the South By Southwest Festival this week.

Chilton’s career took off when he joined the Box Tops at the age of 16. They had a #1 hit in 1966 with the R&B classic “The Letter.” In 1971, Chilton formed Big Star with guitarist Chris Bell, bassist Andy Hummel and drummer Jody Stephens. Perhaps their best-known song was “In The Street,” off their first album, #1 Record, which later became the theme song to “That 70’s Show.” Other beloved Big Star tracks include “Thirteen,” “You and Your Sister,” and “Ballad Of El Goodo.” In 1975, the band split up after releasing their third album, and Chilton went on to a pursue a solo career. Meanwhile, he was immortalized by the Replacements, who’s 1987 record Pleased To Meet Me included an ode called “Alex Chilton.” Big Star reunited in 1993, and in 2005 recorded the album In Space. In 2006, Koch Records released Big Star Small World, a tribute album featuring contributions from several bands who had felt Big Star’s influence, including Wilco, Whiskytown, Matthew Sweet, the Afghan Whigs and Juliana Hatfield.