Music

Memphis Rock Icon Alex Chilton, Dead at 59

by Michael Joffe

The Memphis Commercial Appeal is reporting that Alex Chilton died today in New Orleans at the age of 59. It is believed Chilton, who had raised concerns about his health earlier in the day, suffered from a heart attack. Chilton was set to  play SXSW on Saturday with his band Big Star following the release of their 4 CD retrospective, Keep An Eye on the Sky. In 2003, Rolling Stone included all three Big Star albums in its list of the 500 best albums of all time.  At the age of 16, Chilton rose to fame with a number one hit, “The Letter” with his band Box Tops and continued his career for over three decades, heavily influencing bands such as The Replacements and Teenage Fanclub. He is survived by his wife, Laura, and son, Timothy.