Memphis music legend Alex Chilton, who rose to fame with both the Box Tops and Big Star, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday in New Orleans.  Chilton was 59-years old.

The Memphis-born Chilton rose to prominence at age 16 when his gruff vocals powered the massive Box Tops hit “The Letter,” as well as “Cry Like a Baby” and “Neon Rainbow.”

After the Box Tops broke up in 1970, Chilton had a brief solo run in New York before returning to Memphis. He soon joined forces with a group of Anglo-pop-obsessed musicians — fellow songwriter/guitarist Chris Bell, bassist Andy Hummel and drummer Jody Stephens — to form Big Star.

Chilton is survived by his wife Laura and son Timothy.

RELATED: Former Big Star Bassist Andy Hummel Dead at 59