Farewell Alex Chilton
It is a sad day for the music industry as former Big Star artist Alex Chilton died at the age of 59. Alex Chilton was famous as an artist during 60’s as a member of the Box tops, and 70’s with Big star. Alex died Wednesday at a New Orleans Hospital. Chilton was complaining about his health and was taken by paramedics to the emergency room and unfortunately was pronounced dead as they could not revive him. The cause of death was a heart attack.
Alex Chilton
The former big star artist grew up with music as his father was a jazz performer. His early years as an artist started with the Box Tops as their lead singer. In the 70’s he joined Big Star and made several albums with Ardent Studios. He later concentrated as a solo artist in the following years. He moved from a couple of cities as his career developed, to New York, New Orleans but mostly he stayed at his hometown in Memphis.
Alex Chilton’s long time friend, John Fry, owner of Memphis’ Ardent Studios grieved for his death as Alex was working with Ardent Studios for many years. Chilton and Big Star had been scheduled to play this March 20, Saturday as part of the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas. Alex was also scheduled to play with the band at the Levitt Shell in Memphis on May 15.
Alex Chilton’s passion for the guitar and songwriting will be remembered by old school fans in the United States and around the world. Several artists have come to pass in these few years and they are mostly artists famous during the 70’s and 80’s, but they will always be heard as their music will remain forever. Alex was also family man, a husband and a father. He will be missed by his wife Laura and his son Timothy.
