Alex Chilton, who made his name with Box Tops and Big Star, has died at the age of 59 from a suspected heart attack.
The singer first had success in the 1960s with soul rockers Box Tops. Their biggest hit was The Letter, which was a number one single in America in 1967, when Chilton was just 16. When the band split up in 1970, Chilton turned down the chance to join Blood, Sweat & Tears because they were too commercial. Instead he became a member of cult power pop band Big Star, who’ve become a significant influence on many bands, including R.E.M.
In recent years, Chilton (who lived in New Orleans) has been touring and recording, although he never achieved the levels of success his talent deserved.