Singer/Songwriter Alex Chilton Dead At 59
Singer Alex Chilton, whose iconic status in popular culture reached heights even he couldn't attain in his music career, died yesterday at the age of 59. On St. Patrick's Day no less. Chilton, who died from an apparent heart attack Wednesday in New Orleans, had been scheduled to play at the SXSW Conference in Austin.
Chilton fronted pop-rock bands Box Tops and Big Star, and even scored a hit single with "The Letter" which hit #1 on Billboard in 1967. Chilton was only 16 when he found success, his unique, sometimes burly tones belied his youth, but Chilton would find maintaining success far more difficult later in life.
In 1971 he formed the power-pop band Big Star and attempted to revive his career. The group's best known song, "In The Street," was made famous as the theme song from Fox's popular show, That 70's Show,
My first exposure to Alex Chilton came from a Replacements song of the same name, "Alex Chilton," and the chorus from that catchy tune goes "Children by the million sing for Alex Chilton when he comes 'round, They sing "I'm in love. What's that song? I'm in love with that song." From there began my search to find out why millions would sing for a guy I'd never heard of. Hey, I grew up in the 80's, I am still discovering music from before my time, so simmer down.
What I discovered was many of the artists I revered, in turn, revered Alex Chilton and consider him a major influence on their sound, including R.E.M and the Replacements.
My husband, who always feigns shock and disgust when I sheepishly admit I don't know someone he deems as "important," set about to school me on the ways of Alex Chilton. This is the song he played...I was schooled and richer for it.
Follow Technorati