Alex Chilton of the Box Tops and Big Star Passes Away

One of the most influential musicians of the 1970’s passed away on Wednesday as former Box Tops and Big Star singer and guitarist, Alex Chilton, died at the age of 59 in a New Orleans hospital. According to MTV.com, Chilton did not feel well early in the day and was taken to the emergency room by paramedics. Chilton suffered what is being reported as a suspected heart attack and medical personnel was unable to revive him. The legendary singer, songwriter and guitar player is survived by his wife and his son.

Chilton struck musical gold at the age of 16 when he sang an overwhelmingly popular single called ‘The Letter’ as a member of the Box Tops. The single rose to the number one position on the charts and the band appeared to be on the fast track to super-stardom when Chilton unexpectedly left the group to join Memphis’ Big Star band. As a member of Big Star, Chilton was a crucial component of three critically acclaimed records, ‘#1 Record’, ‘Radio City’ and ‘Sister Lovers’.

Big Star was a bohemian rock and roll rock group that was ignored on a mainstream level but embraced by the independent scene. Chilton was notorious for the way that he embraced his privacy and shunned any interview opportunity with the media. MTV.com is reporting that Chilton’s death came just days prior to a scheduled Big Star showcase performance that was to be held in Austin, Texas’ SXSW festival.