Alex Chilton
In 1987, Paul Westerberg and the Replacements, wrote a song called Alex Chilton,and the man who the song was written about passed away from a heart attack,on Thursday aged 59, in New Orleans.
Inspiring bands such as Wilco, R.E.M. and others, he was a cult musician for most of his life.
Recording three studio albums, with the group, Big Star in Memphis during the 70’s. The group was beyond it’s time.
The songs and the music grew in status, as the years went on and several of the songs were covered by other recording artists.
Their music was only recently released again, repackaged in a box set, and was due to be subject of a major panel at the South by Southwest Music Conference in Austin Texas. This was due for Saturday, and to be followed by a concert, to which original performers, Chilton and Jody Stephens were due to perform.
From one of his first singles, which ended up being the biggest singles of 196, “The Letter,” his soulful rock sound was soon to become recognized.
Although when asked in an interview in 1995 about his music with Big Star, Chilton said, ”In general, I think it’s overrated,” he added. “There are only a few songs that I can stand to play anymore.”