Alex Chilton was an American singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the lead vocalist of the band Big Star. Born on December 28, 1950, in Memphis, Tennessee, he gained fame in the 1960s as a member of the Box Tops, whose hit "The Letter" topped the charts. Chilton's work with Big Star in the early 1970s, particularly the albums "No. 1 Record" and "Radio City," has since been highly influential in the power pop genre. Despite initial commercial struggles, his music has garnered a dedicated following and has inspired many artists over the years. Chilton passed away on March 17, 2010.