William Alexander Chilton American songwriter, guitarist, singer and producer Date of Birth: 28.12.1950 Country: USA

1. Biography of William Alexander Hilton
2. Early Career
3. Solo Career and Collaboration
4. Later Career

Biography of William Alexander Hilton

William Alexander Hilton, also known as Alex Hilton, was an American poet-songwriter, guitarist, singer, and producer. He was born on December 28, 1950, in Memphis, Tennessee, and grew up in a musical family. His father, Sidney Hilton, was a jazz musician.

Early Career

At the age of 16, Alex became the lead singer of a local band called the "Devilles" after his vocal abilities were recognized at a competition in Memphis' Central High School. The band later changed their name to the "Box Tops" and gained recognition for their unique style. They recorded songs with Chips Moman and Dan Penn at American Sound Studio and Muscle Shoals' FAME Studios. Hits like "The Letter," "Cry Like a Baby," and "Soul Deep" propelled their success. By the end of 1969, Alex Hilton and guitarist Gary Talley remained the only original members, leading to the group's dissolution.

Solo Career and Collaboration

After the breakup of the Box Tops, Alex Hilton embarked on a solo career. He dedicated himself to mastering the guitar, studying the playing styles of guitarists from Stax Records and Steve Cropper. In 1970, he collaborated with local musician and producer Terry Manning and drummer Richard Rosebrough to record blues-rock tracks. These recordings can be found on albums released in the 80s and 90s, such as the album "Lost Decade."

In 1971, Hilton returned to Memphis from New York and joined the power-pop group "Big Star." Although the group did not achieve commercial success, Hilton established himself as a talented rock singer and songwriter. The alternative rock band "R.E.M." later acknowledged that "Big Star" had a significant influence on them.

During this time, Hilton also worked with Rosebrough in a band called "The Dolby Fuckers," and their songs "Mod Lang" and "In The Street" gained popularity. In 1977, Hilton returned to New York and formed a new musical collective called "Alex Chilton and the Cossacks," recording the track "Bangkok." His musical interests shifted towards the more lively and free style of punk, leading to collaborations with the punk band "The Cramps." Their recorded songs dominated the charts for an extended period.

Later Career

In 1979, Hilton and Jim Dickinson released a new album titled "Like Flies on Sherbert," which was limited to a 500-copy release. In the early 80s, Hilton moved to New Orleans and began working with the jazz group "Panther Burns." During this time, Hilton's guitar playing style evolved, becoming more refined and restrained. In 1984, they released the album "Sugar Ditch Revisited."

After the album's recording, Hilton started to seriously consider pursuing a solo career, temporarily halting his work with "Panther Burns." In 1985, Hilton, bassist Coman, and drummer Doug Garrison formed a trio that released the album "Feudalist Tarts."

Hilton collaborated with musicians such as Fred Ford, Jim Spake, and Nokie Taylor. In the 90s, he continued to create music, working with producer Keith Keller at New Orleans' Chez Flames studio. From the late 90s, Hilton collaborated with the "Box Tops" and "Big Star," writing for and performing with them. The new album from "Big Star" was released on September 27, 2005.

Today, Hilton continues to perform, give concerts, work with the "Box Tops" and "Big Star," and write music and song lyrics.