William Alexander `` Alex '' Chilton ( December 28 , 1950 -- March 17 , 2010 ) was an American songwriter , guitarist , singer and producer , best known as the lead singer of The Box Tops and Big Star .
Alex Chilton ( December 28 , 1950 -- March 17 , 2010 ) was an American songwriter , producer , singer and guitarist . He was lead singer of the Box Tops and Big Star .