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William Alexander “Alex” Chilton (December 28, 1950 – March 17, 2010) was an American songwriter, guitarist, singerand producer, best known as the lead singer of the Box Tops and Big Star. Chilton’s early commercial success in the 1960s as a teen vocalist for the Box Tops was not repeated in later years with Big Star and in his indie music solo career on small labels, but he drew a loyal following in the indie and alternative music fields and is often cited as an influence by many mainstream rock artists and bands.
The Box Tops – The Letter (Upbeat 1967):
From Wikipedia:
| Birth name | William Alexander Chilton |
|---|---|
| Born | December 28, 1950 Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | March 17, 2010 (aged 59) New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Genres | Rock ‘n’ roll, power pop, proto-punk, hard rock,blue-eyed soul, indie rock |
| Occupations | Musician, singer, songwriter, record producer |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals |
| Years active | 1966–2010 |
| Associated acts | Box Tops, Big Star, Tav Falco’s Panther Burns |
A young Alex Chilton w/ Dan Penn:
Big Star – Thirteen (1972):
Box Tops – I Shall Be Released (Bob Dylan Cover):
Album of the day:
Big Star – #1 Record (1972):
…. Big Star’s debut album for the first time decades after its release (as, inevitably, most people must), you may be reminded of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers or R.E.M., who came after — that is, if you don’t think of the Byrds and the Beatles, circa 1965. What was remarkable about #1 Record in 1972 was that nobody except Big Star (and maybe Badfinger and the Raspberries) wanted to sound like this — simple, light pop with sweet harmonies and jangly guitars. Since then, dozens of bands have rediscovered those pleasures. But in a way, that’s an advantage because, whatever freshness is lost across the years, Big Star’s craft is only confirmed. ….
~William Ruhlmann (allmusic.com)
Other December 28:
- Ioannis Alexandres Veliotes (December 28, 1921 – January 17, 2012), better known as Johnny Otis, was an American singer,musician, composer, and record producer. Born in Vallejo, California, he is commonly referred to as the “Godfather of Rhythm and Blues”.
- Dennis Carl Wilson (December 4, 1944 – December 28, 1983) was an American rock and roll musician best known as a founding member and the drummer of The Beach Boys. He was a member of the group from its formation until his death in 1983. Dennis was the middle brother of fellow Beach Boys members Brian Wilson and Carl Wilson, and cousin of Mike Love.
-Egil & Hallgeir