News broke this evening (via The Commercial Appeal in Memphis), that musician Alex Chilton (who influenced many of the bands of the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and now) died suddenly today. Here’s the New York Times‘ Dave Itzkoff immediate thoughts upon the news of Chilton’s passing. Chicago Sun-Times‘ Jim DeRogatis also notes that Chilton was to take part in a panel and tribute to him on Saturday at the South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin.

Below is Chilton from two years ago, performing his first hit, The Letter.