“The Letter,” written for the Box Tops when Alex Chilton was a teenager, remains my favorite song to this day, the greatest sub-two-minute song this side of The Replacements’ “Waitress in the Sky” (and The Minutemen’s take on “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘bout Love) and the shortest song to ever hit top Billboard single spot, and “Cry Like a Baby” is more power pop heaven. Big Star’s legacy in that genre speaks for itself and while I admit to not digging much of Chilton’s solo output beyond High Priest, the guy’s sense of humor were a wicked influence on so many. Children by the millions? I wish and thanks for all the greatness, however unrecognized — rest in peace, Alex.
Singer and guitarist Alex Chilton, known for his influential work with bands the Box Tops and Big Star, has died. He was 59.
Chilton’s longtime friend John Fry says that Chilton died Wednesday (March 17) at a hospital in New Orleans after experiencing what appeared to be heart problems.
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