Prior Artists

BIG STAR

Big Star is an American rock band founded in the early 1970s. Critic Jason Ankeny describes Big Star as “the quintessential American power pop band [and] one of the most mythic and influential cult acts in all of rock & roll.”

Initially co-led by Chris Bell and Alex Chilton in 1971, Big Star’s music was lyrical, powerful, at times melancholy pop for the post-1960s generation. Their approach not only recalled the British Invasion groups, but also the spare, relaxed style of Stax Records as well as the edgy rockabilly of early Sun Records. In an era of singer-songwriters, heavy-metal groups, and bombastic progressive rock acts, Big Star played melodic, concisely-written pop songs. Their first LP #1 Record consisted of intricate melodies and vocal harmonies, as well as impressive guitar-craftsmanship that would prove in time to be a signature sound.

Big Star online – Website, iTunes, iLike, Last.fm, Pandora

ALEX CHILTON

Alex Chilton is an American songwriter, guitarist, singer and producer best known for his work with the pop-music bands the Box Tops and Big Star. Chilton’s 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 solo career on small labels, but he did draw a loyal following in the indie and alternative music fields.

Alex Chilton online – Wiki, iTunes, iLike, Last.fm, Pandora

CHRIS BELL

Chris Bell was a singer, songwriter, and guitarist born in Memphis, Tennessee. Along with Alex Chilton, he led the power pop band Big Star, which recorded albums during the early 1970s. Chris Bell left the group after their first album, #1 Record, but contributed some music and lyrics to their second LP, 1974’s Radio City. He recorded as a solo artist for the remainder of the 1970s; two of these influential solo recordings, “I am the Cosmos” and “You and Your Sister,” were released on a 1978 single on Car Records. These two songs became popular among collectors of Big Star-related items.

Chris Bell online – Wiki, iTunes, iLike, Last.fm, Pandora