Alex Chilton, Memphis song writer and rocker best known for being a member of 1960s pop-soul act the Box Tops and the 1970s power-pop act Big Star, died Wednesday in New Orleans at the age of 59.

As lead singer for the Box Tops, Chilton enjoyed a number-one international hit, "The Letter" at the early age of 16. The Box Tops went on to have several other major chart hits, including "Cry Like a Baby" (1968) and "Soul Deep" (1969).

ALEX CHILTON Lyrics
Artist: The Replacements
Album: Pleased To Meet Me

If he was from Venus, would he feed us with a spoon?
If he was from Mars, wouldn't that be cool?
Standing right on campus, would he stamp us in a file?
Hangin' down in Memphis all the while.

(chorus:)

Children by the million sing for Alex Chilton when he comes 'round
They sing "I'm in love. What's that song?
I'm in love with that song."

Cerebral rape and pillage in a village of his choice.
Invisible man who can sing in a visible voice.
Feeling like a hundred bucks, exchanging good lucks face to face.
Checkin' his stash by the trash at St. Mark's place.

(chorus)

I never travel far, without a little Big Star

Runnin' 'round the house, Mickey Mouse and the Tarot cards.
Falling asleep with a flop pop video on.
If he was from Venus, would he meet us on the moon?
If he died in Memphis, then that'd be cool, babe.

Alex Chilton Video: