The American musician Alex Chilton died of a heart attack on Wednesday at the age of 59.

He was best known for his work in the 1960s and 1970s as singer, guitarist and songwriter with The Box Tops and Big Star.

The Box Tops had a worldwide hit in 1967 with The Letter when Chilton was only 16.

Big Star were a commercial flop but albums like Radio City and Third/ Sister Lovers were later acknowledged as a major influence on alternative pop.

Many later bands, including R.E.M. and The Replacements, have cited Big Star as one of their main inspirations.