R.I.P.: Alex Chilton
Alex Chilton, the legendary singer-songwriter who fronted the Box Tops and Big Star, died yesterday in Memphis. He was 59.
Chilton was 16 when he wrote and recorded the Box Tops’ classic song “The Letter,” and continued to lead that band through later ’60s hits such as “Cry Like a Baby.” While that period in his work gave him the most renown, it was his pairing with Chris Bell in Big Star in the 1970s that produced his most influential work. Chilton and Big Star were the architects of modern power pop, and while their albums such as “#1 Record” and “Radio City” were not commercial successes by any means, Chilton and Bell’s influence was roughly analogous to the old statement about the Velvet Underground that is generally attributed to Brian Eno: few people heard Big Star, but most started bands that owed an immeasurable debt to them.
R.E.M.? Cheap Trick? Fountains of Wayne? Teenage Fanclub? They don’t exist without Big Star.
And of course, children by the millions wait for Alex Chilton. I’m in love — what’s that song? I’m in love — with that song.
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Comments
I adore “September Girls.” and so many more from Big Star.
I heard the Replacements song “Alex Chilton” in college. The song is so genuine -we all know that feeling “I’m in love – what’s that song?” – I was inspired to write a tribute song for another famous musician. I picked Erik Satie, since he wrote the quietest, most unassuming music ever, and I thought surely it would be an excellent subject for a loud, passionate ode. For some reason.
Thanks for the music, Mr. Chilton!
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One of my favorite live-music moments was seeing Chilton play VZD’s. A friend of mine and I had the audactiy to approach him after the gig. He was extremely gracious, smiled and said, “Oh, you musta been the a****** who was yelling out for me to play ‘Kizza Me.’” Anyway, I had a beer with him. It was a milestone moment for me. That, and getting married.