William Alexander "Alex" Chilton (December 28, 1950 – March 17, 2010) was an American (United States) songwriter, guitarist, singer and producer (record producer), best known as the lead singer of the Box Tops and Big Star (Big Star (band)). Chiltons early commercial sales success in the 1960s as a teen vocalist for the Box Tops was not repeated in later years with Big Star and in his indie music (Independent music) solo career on small labels, but he drew a loyal following in the indie and alternative music (Alternative rock) fields, and is often cited as an influence by many mainstream rock artists and bands.