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Singer and guitarist Alex Chilton has passed away of a suspected heart attack at the age of 59.

The Memphis-born musician, who sprung to fame in Big Star and The Box Tops, died yesterday (March 17) at a hospital in New Orleans.

According to The Commercial Appeal, the star complained about feeling unwell earlier in the day before being rushed to hospital by paramedics.

He was due to perform at the South By Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, with the rest of Big Star on 20 March.

At the tender age of 16, Chilton found fame with The Box Tops, including the massive chart hit The Letter in 1967.

After the band broke up in 1970, Chilton formed Big Star and released three critically acclaimed records in the 1970s.

The band was later cited as an inspiration for REM, Teenage Fanclub and The Replacements.

Chilton is survived by his wife Laura, son Timothy, and sister Cecilia.