Alex Chilton Remembered 

My uncle drummed for Alex a few times in New Orleans. He has nothing but good things to say about the man. He truly was a human jukebox, calling out RnB sides from the 50s that the band would scramble to figure out behind him. He loved this town, since it gave him the space to just be the gigging soul musician he wanted to be. One of a kind, that's for sure

Paul Westerberg's memorial tribute in the New Yorker magazine is awesome 🤠🎸

My band opened for Alex Chilton around 1990. Great honor.

When Alex showed up to record The Letter with his growling vocal he gave an important song to 1967 radio listeners like myself. I'd go back to the 60s in a heartbeat if I could take my wife with me. Wouldn't leave without her though.

I love the Big Star song Thirteen. The lyrics are so true and Alex Chilton sings with the exact feeling of a thirteen year old.

“Nothing can Hurt Me” is a great documentary about Chilton and Big Star. Check it out.

I can remember listening to The Letter on AM radio before going into the drug store to buy baseball cards. Cards with a rock hard piece of unwrapped bubble gum. Great memories…

Had to pause to get my coffee. Loved The Letter and Cry Like A Baby as a kid in the early 70s, didn't even realize who Alex was until I found Big Star in the mid 80s on a CBC Radio 2 program called Brave New Waves hosted by Brent Bambury at the time. Brent should get royalties for the number of records he exposed to kids like me in the 80s.

Reminds me of the famous Bill Murray quote "if you want to be rich and famous try being rich first and see if you still want to be famous"

His quirkiness and willingness to push his art is what I loved, he was unafraid to try new things.

When I was a kid, we had a cool school bus driver who played good stuff on the radio. Hearing "the Letter " takes me back there.

As a performer he was a human jukebox. His cover of Danny Pearson’s What’s Your Sign is a fave. Also loved how he’d introduce Wouldn’t It Be Nice by The Beach Boys he’d say “here’s one by Charlie Manson”. Oh My Soul is contender for my favorite Alex song…a six string rock n roll orchestral movement like no other. I did get to meet Alex after a show once. He was a gentleman and I’m sure he was going to accept our invite to hang out with us at a friends house afterward til he got a better…prettier and feminine offer.

Been a Big Star obsessive since I was introduced to them in the 90s. I met LX a few months before he died, i'd been told he could be pretty spiky with being approached by fans. I've honestly, never felt the need to talk to any other musician I admire, but I couldn't not take the opportunity when i found myself walking towards LX in a sunny London park on a hazy afternoon, after their set supporting Tindersticks. He was super sweet and the picture of us together is one of my favourites. He was a mischievous genius, and one of the most missed. Love him.

Otis, lets get in touch. I was producing the Roky Erickson show at Antone's the day of the Big Star reunion.. The Big Star reunion was THE SHOW we all anticipated. We found out the show was changed to a tribute as Alex had passed a few days before. With heavy hearts they wanted to honor him and play him out. Me and John Doe wept. It was devastating. By show's end it was a revival. (Btw, I co produced Roky's Ice Cream Social at Threadgill's and I have tons of great stories sitting with BFG, Stu Cook and uncle Rok.)

Great artist. Still listen to his music. RIP.

Love Big Star & AC. We’ve covered “The Letter,” “September Gurls,” & a countryfied arrangement of “In the Street” at various times. The tip of the great song iceberg. But I’ll reserve special mention for “ She Might Look My Way,” a swooning cowrite between Chilton & Tommy Hoehn, recorded by the Memphis band Prix. Alex’s version shows up on his “My Rival” EP on Omnivore.

Children by the millions sing for Alex Chilton when he comes 'round. Or they should've. Was a time when I didn't know Big Star and I still knew and loved "The Letter" from oldies radio. I was introduced to BS when Trip Shakespeare played "Ballad of El Goodo", and went on to get the rest, so I'll go with that and "September Gurls" as my faves.

Thanks Otis, for me Third Sister Lovers is easily my favourite album of all time. Big Black Car is the standout song. Alex had the greatest voice in Rock n Roll and was a blistering guitar player. Nothing Comes Close.

I met Alex twice in Boston in the late 90s. A friend of a friend played trumpet for the Box Tops when they were in Boston (they picked up local horn players). I'm afraid it's the only time I've ever completely fanboyed when meeting someone I admired. The first time I met him was backstage at the Paradise Rock Club and I do believe I made an ass of myself. Alex was very gracious and kind, through my stammering and Replacements references, until a bandmate rescued him. The second time was after a solo show at the Middle East. I handled myself better, but I'm sure he thought I was a bit weird. Good times, and Alex was a pleasure to meet (for me if not for him 😀).

G R E A T remembrance - thank you for posting something worthwhile about LX - he is greatly missed . . .

We have a local DJ whose show is : Snap Crackle Pop. (Fridays, KWVA) Mostly Power pop, plays a lot of Big Star . Been doing the show for about 20 years now, Never heard of Big Star before listening to his show, but became a fan. At 55, still listen to College radio because they have it all. Thanks for the Brief Alex Chilton history lesson.

While I was a teen BoxTops fan back in the day, I wish I could say I was in the know about Big Star. In the pre internet days, I recall running across the name BigStar about artists you should have known about but don't. It took RU-vid for me to first hear them. It was a gut punch when we heard Alex had passed. I'd arranged to have time off from work that week to participate in SXSW and to see Alex. It would have been nice for him to bask in the glow of having an audience love and appreciate him...and to have his industry love and respect him.

Hey Otis, I grew up in midtown Memphis and Alex lived in my neighborhood in the mid to late 70s. I would see him walking around the neighborhood all the time. In 1979 I saw him play in a club called the Well which later became the Antenna Club. He did the most godawful version of Hendrix’s Purple Haze that was kickass. He definitely did things his own way. He was always unique.

His rendition of Walk Across Texas is still one of my favorite covers. Raw and unique, I've still never heard anything like it. At one time I owned every record he made.

I saw Alex with a backing band a few months before he passed here in Chicago at the Old Town School of Folk Music - Dec. 2009. Man am I glad I caught that show

LX changed my life forever, RIP king! 😢

Thank you for the warm remembrance of Alex. we saw Alex several times when he would pass through San Francisco in the 80's. One show consisted entirely of requests from the audience...no Box Tops or Big Star songs though. He was one one of a kind

hi Otis really enjoy your talks... always with coffee you mentioned Alex was just 17 when he recorded letter for me more impressive Micky Thomas was 17 when he recorded fooled around and fell in love... elvin wasn't getting it.... someone turned around and said let Micky try it....rest is history his vocal on that...of coarse the guitar solo....piano....hammond in there...christ the whole damn thing is Anointed...

Had a chance to hang out with AC for a bit in the mid 90's. We talked about our shared love of old Fender amps. Awesome dude.

Got to see Big Star with The Flaming Lips in Atlanta (2006). A wonderful experience. Chilton was playing an Epiphone gold top Les Paul. He was very humble during his performance. Before Big Star went on he casually smoked a cigarette on the stage side.(memory forever etched)

Otis I still look forward to Saturday and your videos. This one was exceptional, thanks for your love for people and their music. Later on friend.

👍 you’re awesome Ottis. Thank you!

I’m friends with Ann Powers, although we haven’t met. Ha. She’s an incredible writer. Her stuff sometimes make me want to harm myself because I know I could never write nearly as well. She used to be the head curator of the Experience Music Project in Seattle, the then Jimi Hendrix Museum. Then she went to the L.A. Times, then NPR. She finished the first draft of a Joni Mitchell biography about two weeks ago that she’s been working on for five years. I have no idea when it’ll be out. Probably in about a hundred drafts from now. Ha.

Children by the million, sing for Alex Chilton, when he comes round

I cannot believe how much I have learned from listening to your channel Otis, thanks for the Saturday morning coffee chat!

Cool! Thank you - Toronto

Big Star had the early 70's sound that won't ever die. Look up Chilton doing "In the Street" on The Tonight Show in the early 90's, before That 70's Show was even thought of .

Alex played Pomona College in Claremont, CA when I was a freshman. The year was ‘86 or ‘87. I didn’t have a clue who Alex was, so I chose not to go. I do recall hearing the music that night from my dorm room. Many years later, I discovered Big Star, probably through an article in Mojo or similar rock magazine. I bought both albums as well as “I am the Cosmos”. As is often the case, things had come full circle.

Otis, I have been in to music my whole life, I've been in several bands, made my rounds, but you have opened the door a little wider for me at 64, Thank You Brother, really appreciate you❤️✌️

Re: Memphis: I pray you visited the STAX museum while in Aretha’s old neighborhood. The most impressive thing I found there is the map showing how many legends were from within a 20 to 30 block area. Thanks for all you do Otis.

Thanks Otis your hard work and efforts are appreciated.

Thank for this Otis

I remember when Alex passed. We toasted his memory and talent. (RIP John Gaughan) I even wrote a parody tune to "The Letter" when battling "Lemmings" on Autoracing message boards back in the day.

Attended a Chilton show in Chicago back in the 90s. He seemed reluctant to tear into the Big Star tunes, but his backing band brought them to life.

I was at SXSW "waiting" for the reunion. Devastated by the news...and glad I attended the tribute. SO MUCH TALENT.

I am a new channel member, I must say that your channel just hits everything right, your channel is what a channel should be. I'm a new fan of your music and I am an old fan of Big Star and The Box Tops and Alex, my old guitar teacher introduced me to this music when I was about 14. We were both huge Beatles fans, that meant a lot to me. If you haven't heard it, I highly suggest listening to Electricity By Candlelight, a live album of great covers he did on a whim following a power outage. Take care, Otis. Keep up the good work.

Thank you, Otis. I have been a fan of Chilton since the Box Tops, Big Star etc, got many records. Saw him in England once about the time the live album was recorded, it was great. I lived in Sweden at that time and I convinced some friends who had a small, unknown band called The Nomads to record Chilton´s Bangkok. They got a hit with it! That was fun and they had a great sound. Then they moved on to bigger things. Chilton influenced people all over the world. Too many songs and albums to pick a favourite. Cheers from Romania.

I was taken to see big star at the Fillmore in San Francisco as a surprise I've been listening to a mix of their songs given to me by the drummer I was jamming with at the time he said we're going to the Fillmore tonight to see big star I said you're kidding right remember seeing Adam duritz on the front steps he had just been on Saturday Night Live and replaced the line we all want to be Bob Dylan with y'all want to be Alex Chilton and mr. Jones and ended the song with the line we all wanna be big star I said hey Adam I want to be Alex Chilton to laughed and walked away he just kind of grin shortly after that his band came out as a surprise opener under the name the Shatner's guess he had the last laugh after all cuz he got to say he open for big star cool post Otis Alex's genius touched so many

My god thirteen is classic pop song that still resonates with this 66 year young man.

Sweet Cream Ladies was my favorite song of his . 😀

PAEAN= a song of praise or triumph=enthusiastic praise!!!!

Happy Saturday, Otis! Until today, I was only peripherally aware of Alex Chilton. I knew the Boxtops stuff, and I recognize a number of the covers. It looks like I've got some reading and listening homework ahead of me. Thank you for doing what you do. Be good to you 🤍💛

AC was one hell of a guitar player very underrated & criminally ignored most of his later career

Used to work at a bar on the LES in NYC. Matt Sweeney is a bud and one day he came in with a friend I hadn’t met. Really nice guy named Alex. I think they came in two days in a row. We used to play a lot of obscure blues and stuff in there , I remember he was grooving when I played Head Held High. A while later I ran into Sweendogg at Max Fish and he told me who it was , you could have knocked me over with a feather. Big Star 3rd is unreal.

I've been a Big Star fan for about 30 years now, and by extension, Alex Chilton. I've read a good bit, watched the BS documentary and bought a lot of albums. Many Big Star songs were co-written by AC and Chris Bell, so shout-out to Chris. If Alex was uncomfortable being extolled for Big Star, I have to imagine it's because it was Chris' band first. I'm a softie for the nostalgic sweet songs, like Thirteen and September Gurls, and I love The Ballad of El Goodo. My fave Alex quote -- He was known for pushing back verbally with a stinging wit and he would say 'I know you can take it, but can you dish it out?'

The Jayhawks, another great band have a song ''Big Star''. I didn't know Alex played guitar on ''Can't Hardly Wait'' by The Replacements; it's one my favorite tunes. Thanks, Otis.

One of my favorite bands of all time. Big Star. Love Chilton.

he is a LEGEND...thanks so much brother, we adore Alex in the UK, xx

My buddy was down at SXSW that year and stoked for the Big Star show. Big time bummer.

Thank you so much for mentioning Teenage Fanclub!!!

Hi there Otis love the vids, 35 yrs old here and teenage FC and all the bands you mention are my faves!

I was only old enough to catch Alex's act after he went solo. First time it was at a fraternity party. It was the period right after Alex had decided to get his act back together, get clean, and get a proper booking agent and maybe a record deal on a small label. Alex played a lot of those gigs, generally elevating the quality of the music, and breaking out odd covers or taking requests from the audience. During a break after his set I went outside and to my surprise there he was, smoking a cigarette standing next to an old 70's-era Buick with his Mosrite guitar lying on the hood. I knew he had once toured with the Beach Boys and I loved the "Pet Sounds" record so we chatted about that for a few minutes, but I sensed that it would be a *huge* mistake to ask him about Big Star. At that time he was not playing any Big Star material at all, and it was obvious that he was studiously avoiding any reference to that part of his career. He seemed way more willing to talk about what happened with the Box Tops. A few years later I was lucky enough to drive for 8 hours to Columbia, Missouri to see the Big Star reunion which was supposed to be Alex, Jody Stephens, Paul Westerberg (from the Replacements) and Mike Mills (from R.E.M.) but it turned out to be Alex and Jody with the rest of the band rounded out by the Posies. Then, as kind of the topper to all this and the gig I am probably the most happy I didn't miss was the latter-era Big Star playing the Brooklyn Masonic Hall. That was just a few months before he died and the show was great. Alex Chilton was the Zelig of rock and roll, a human jukebox and shape shifting chameleon who always played his cards close to his vest, didn't suffer fools gladly, and most of all loved all kinds of music more than anything.

I caught Alex with the Memphis horns in a small club in NOLA during Jazz Heritage Fest. It seemed like a warm up gig, 4P in the afternoon. Not many folks there but it was great. He is missed by many!

In 1987 I saw the Replacements at the Beacon in New York City and then I drove to Hoboken and saw Alex at Maxwell's and Tommy and Paul joined Alex onstage for a few songs! Great night!

I got to see Alex 3 or 4 times solo and Big Star once. The Big Star show was at First Avenue, and featured former Replacement Slim Dunlap as the opener. I took along a buddy who had never heard a note of them, and he had a great time. After the show we spotted Alex and I went over to thank him for the show…My friend then said ‘hey baby, you’re a big star’ to him. Knowing how mercurial Alex could be, I winced and waited for Alex to shut him down verbally. But he thanked my friend. Always the gentleman.

I'd have to say my favorite Chilton track is "Paradise" off of Feudalist Tarts

In 1985 I went to the I Beam in San Francisco to see Robyn Hitchcock and the Egyptians. RH cancelled for some reason. Alex Chilton was the opening act. He and his guitar. I didn't know who he was, but a lot of folks in the audience did. It was very informal with much between song chatter and a real give-and-take between Alex and the audience. Many requests. I left there feeling like I had gotten to know him somehow. The songs, the lack of a barrier between him and his fans-- just him and an acoustic guitar. Only later did I realize who I had seen.

Thanks, Otis, enjoyable

I'm with Alex. I would never want to be famous, but it would be great having my works known and appreciated without all that. Watch The Sunrise is my favorite Big Star song.

My old friend Jon Greene turned me onto Big Star when their debut album came out. He worked in a cool record store in Wilmington N.C. I got into the power pop bands like Big Star, Dwight Twilley Band , Pez Band, The Raspberries etc. etc. There was a great run of those bands back in the early mid 70’s. Big Star was my favorite because of Alex and Chris. Beautifully written and crafted, played and sung. They should have had a huge impact on music when they released their albums. But for some crazy reason they were under appreciated and ignored. I’ll never understand why those great power pop bands didn’t get the recognition and acclaim I think they deserved. Oh well!

oh wow!, what a gift. was not aware of Big Star just gave September Gurls a listen. Am not pigeon holing but the first thing that came to mind was TP and The Heartbreakers and in my book that puts a band up there, Going to enjoy going down the rabbit hole with this one. Thanks.

I would love to see an episode on John Fry. John was the owner of Ardent Recording Studio in Memphis. He was a instrumental in Big Star's albums as recording engineer and mixer. A great man. Love your videos, Otis.

Ballad of El Goodo and Thank you are two of my faves, I first got into a Big Star and Alex, thru a friend lending me a book calle It Came From Memphis, not sure of the author now but it catelogs a lot of the more out there figures in the cities history, boxers, politician and outlaws, one guy who would announce "I am the awesome anaconda" before starting bar fights. A little bit on Elvis and Sun records and Stax but really more focused on the weirder side, so loads of Jim Dickinson and Alex Chilton, Mudboy nd the neutrons. really awesome read. I later realised he produced the Cramps, as a British punk rocker we love the Cramps!

Saw him perform at least 4 times in the 80's. Two things that cannot be overstated are his sense of humor and his rhythm guitar style which uniquely combined pure Memphis soul with the best of all things British and 60's. I love all his phases but for a new listener I would not start with Like Flies On Sherbet, or even the formal Big Star records. I like the Fuedalist tarts EP and High Priest solo records. Favorite ballad is Motel Blues.

Good stuff. ‘Songs from Northern Britain’ by Teenage Fanclub is indeed a remarkable album.

I always remember that week -- you were staying with me!

Big Star's Third and Like Flies were my favorite records for years. I was heavily influenced by everything Alex. I collected bootlegs.

Thanks for this honest tribute to Alex. When I first started playing with him, he was scarcely 35 years old, and had had 3 careers! At least. He was a straight shooter; I miss him a lot.

love chilton big star etc greta doc about them on line too..... and thanks to u brothe otis ill add some chilton tribute into my lil community radio show tomorow sunday gracias - SJOCR

Thank you, Otis. You're one of a kind. I enjoy your videos so much. I think ( italics) I saw Alex play at Gabe's in Iowa City in the mid 80's. Is that possible? I was very drunk for most of the 80's, so...I remember a skinny little guy who sang very little and appeared to climb up to the ceiling and hover there. Weird energy, but he was fascinating. Maybe also really effed up? Anyway. It's a long time ago. "What's that song...?"

I agree Steve, Thirteen always take me straight back to being thirteen years old. Brilliant!

It's great to see Alex Chilton get a little recognition...a little nod. I, too, remember when I heard he'd died. He is an underappreciated genius and it's a shame that all those people who don't know his work are missing out.

I gotta stay simple and say “the letter”.. but I like what Big Star stuff I’ve listened to as well.

The first two Big Star albums and Third/Sister Lovers are essential listening. It's a shame Chris Bell died so young. I always wonder if they would've done more work together over the years. Alex was one of a kind. Definitely worth exploring his solo catalog as well.

Man, I've loved Alex for years. The man could play any style of music and pull it off really well. We were driving back to MI from Tennessee yesterday and listening a live show in which he played old soul/R&B songs, a handful of solo and Big Star tunes, and a surprisingly great version of Michael Jackson's "Rock With You". A tremendously talented musician, and still missed by many of us. He mostly flew under the radar since the Big Star days, but if you know, you know. Great tribute, Otis. Thank you!

Alex Chilton left an indelible mark on my musical soul. The band I played bass in back in the late 60's was lucky to also have a skinny 17-year-old white boy, Keith Genre, who had that very soulful voice like Alex's. The Letter was in our set list for years. Thank you, Otis. You're a sparkling blue sapphire.

Hey Otis! Long time follower and love this format. If COVID had any highlights you are definitely among them. Can you attempt to identify what has been the most rewarding aspect of this video series for you? Thanks again!

Good stuff....well said Sir👍 Love Big Star and their 1st album is on regular rotation on my Turntable....would also highly encourage everyone to check out The Box Tops...unfortunately get lumped into all the one hit wonder bands of the 60's....their 4 albums stack up with anything released in that decade....and are widely available in most dollar bins in the wild.....they were way ahead of their time...

People who want a little (or a lot of) old Memphis mythology are advised to read Sanctuary by William Faulkner.

Love this stuff all the info and all the history Thanks Otis

Love to see you ‘running your mouth’ on this sad anniversary. RIP Alex Chilton. I’ve copped a bunch of songs and guitar solos from videos on youtube, the latest is Live at Muggins and Fats’ tune Sick and Tired. Episode 100 question: ever gonna come do shows in Tampa/SRQ area? Would love you to come and spread your positive vibes down here, dilute the BS a tad…much love Otis!!

So Very Cool, ThANKYOU. How did he create such awesome songs, So amazing. I love being big fans of music and just appreciate it for quality.. . More Power to you. Everyone Power Ya. Such awesome songs Thankyou from Australia, Big Fan Cheers

Nice remembrance 🫶🏻

The documentary film on Big Star (Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me) is a great watch if you haven’t seen it.

Never heard of Alex, but I guess that's this weekends homework! Otis, I have a question for you. Who are you're three biggest influences as an artist, and who are your three favorite artists, and how are they different? Keep up the great work!!!

Hi Otis-greetings from England! Only been watching your channel for a month or so and I'm hooked! You talk so much sense about the important things in life-not just guitars!

Hey Otis, I love your channel and these Saturday morning videos. It has been a great way to start the weekend. If there is one thing/decision that you could change about your career in music, what would it be?

Nice tribute that spurred me to buy some more Big Star. Here’s a question for your 100th coffee klatch: if you could bring back any band whose members are still living, who would it be?

I have a story about Memphis and a road trip a group of friends and I made there in 2000 or 2001. Its almost unbelievable, but it is very much in the vein of the grit and un-pretentiousness you mentioned. We were just walking around in the downtown-ish area (at least I think it was part of downtown). At anyrate, whenever we visited towns we always found our ways into the rougher parts of town, or just parts that had the look and feel of it. And so we were walking through the remains of a house, on what was the concrete foundation. And we were just looking around, grass growing up through the cracks etc, and I/we walked around a corner and I stopped dead. Directly in front of me and downward slightly, as the perch we were walking across was slightly higher than the second story, was the Lorraine Motel. And I was maybe 30 ft from the spot, just below and in front of me, where Dr. King had been shot. We all went silent. I think they were either just in the process of doing some renovations on the civil rights museum that had been founded there in 1991, and so it was clearly closed and empty. And so we just stood there, respectfully in silence - struck by the sight and the coincidence, as we genuinely no idea that we had been in the neighborhood even. It was the first time any of us had been to Memphis. But, it was just crazy in the sense that you truly couldn't have had a more perfect vantage point to look down and see where it all happened. As a historian and someone who's parent participated in some of the early years of the civil rights movement (as a GA born white male too and so he was something of an exception for his time), it may have hit me a bit harder, and I think i was the one who pointed out where we were as the motel came into view. But everyone was pretty stunned. And it looked almost untouched as well, thanks to the preservation (at least that section of the former motel did - again, it was closed and so we were never able to visit the museum properly during the trip. But that moment of it just coming into view out of nowhere and the few minutes we spent just standing there on that nearly empty foundation is something I, and the others who were with me, still remember clearly. We also went and toured Graceland while we were there and I don't actually remember a whole lot about it, other than maybe the grave out back or wherever its located there on the grounds. And I believe we did a few other things during our 2 or 3 brief days there, but that experience beside the Lorraine motel is one that has stuck with me 20+ years later.

He was brilliant and sadly unsung among the general public,.