Alex Chilton dies at 59 of a heart attack

Musician Alex Chilton died Wednesday (March 17) in New Orleans of a heart attack, reports his hometown paper, the Memphis Commercial Appeal. He was 59.

TV fans know Chilton for his group Big Star's song "In the Street," from the 1972 album "#1 Record" which was later recorded by Cheap Trick and used as the theme song for "That '70s Show."

In addition to Cheap Trick, Chilton has been cited as a major influence on many other musicians including Ryan Adams, R.E.M., The Replacements, Elliott Smith, Matthew Sweet and Wilco.

Chilton was scheduled to both perform an participate in a panel discussion Saturday at SXSW in Austin.

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