Alex Chilton missing | RIP R.L. Burnside

“Alex Chilton (born on December 28, 1950, in Memphis, Tennessee) 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 like Last Call Records, New Rose, Razor and Tie, Bar/None, and others, but he did draw a loyal following in the indie and alternative music fields.” [Wikipedia]

“It is being reported that Alex Chilton of Big Star is missing. He apparently made it through the storm ok…but no one has heard from him since the levees broke and flooded his neighborhood.” [Raindog’s Rant]

“Celebrated blues singer-guitarist R.L. Burnside died at St. Francis hospital in Memphis, Tennessee Thursday morning, following an almost 3 week stay. While no official cause of death has been announced, a representative from Burnside’s label, Fat Possum Records, explained that he had suffered a heart attack the previous year, and “never fully recovered.” Burnside was 78 years old, and is survived by his widow Alice Mae, twelve children, and multiple grandchildren.” [Pitchfork]

“I heard some sad news today. One of my favorite all-time bluesmen, my favorite living bluesman, has passed away. In a Memphis hospital this morning, R.L. Burnside died. For this post I’ve included four personal selections to show the different sides of the man known as Rural.” [Download Burnside MP3s]

And…
We’re not helping New Orleans quick enough.

Previously
Fats Domino Found in New Orleans