Alex Chilton 1950-2010
Alex Chilton, songwriter, guitarist, singer and producer who performed with pop music bands Box Top and Big Star, died on March 17 in New Orleans of an apparent heart attack. He was 59.
He began his music career in Memphis as a teen vocalist in 1966 with Box Top. At age 16, the group became famous for hit songs “The Letter”, “Cry Like A Baby”, and “Soul Deep”. The group disband in 1970.
Chilton joined Big Star in 1971. Their hit “In The Street” became the theme song for That ’70s Show. The group had little commercial success but it helped to establish Chilton as a rock singer and song writer.
Alex migrated to New Orleans in the 1980’s and began playing with Tav Falco’s Panther Burns and occasionally as a solo artist throughout the next two decades. He continued to perform in reunion events with Box Top and Big Star at area festivals and theaters around the world up to the time of his death.
He is survived by his wife Laura and son Timothy.
View photos and the Box Top hit “The Letter” and Big Star hit “In The Street” on video below: