Rest in Peace, Alex Chilton

The world lost one of its most beautiful people today. Alex Chilton earned more than just everyone's respect as a musician; he was revered--as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. It always seemed that he was particularly adored by people with troubled hearts, such as Elliott Smith. In fact, it was Smith who introduced me to Big Star in 1998 through a live cover of Chilton's famous ballad, "Thirteen," which Chilton wrote as a young teenager and which Rolling Stone praised as "one of rock's most beautiful celebrations of adolescence."

There was always an incredible warmth in Chilton's music that was impossible to explain. You just had to listen to any one of his songs to feel it for yourself. His voice was flawlessly fragile. His guitar arrangements were intricate and bright. But what stood out most were his melodies and harmonies and his idiosyncratic arrangements. His songs could inspire stars to shine brighter and convince all of us that life can be beautiful.