The Box Tops were a Memphis-based rock and soul group known for their gritty sound and youthful energy. They exploded onto the music scene in 1967 with “The Letter,” a soulful, two-minute track that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their blend of blue-eyed soul and pop gave them a distinctive voice in a rapidly changing music landscape.
Led by teenage vocalist Alex Chilton, The Box Tops had a string of hits that captured the spirit of late ’60s radio. While their career was short-lived, their music remains timeless. Songs like “Cry Like a Baby,” “Neon Rainbow,” and “Choo Choo Train” are still celebrated today. Though industry tensions led to their early disbandment, The Box Tops later reunited and performed to new generations of fans before Chilton’s death in 2010.
| Band Name | The Box Tops |
|---|---|
| Origin | Memphis, Tennessee, USA |
| Genres | Rock, Blue-Eyed Soul, Pop |
| Years Active | 1963–1970; reunions in the 1980s–2000s |
| Labels | Bell Records, Mala |
| Key Members | Alex Chilton, Gary Talley, Bill Cunningham, Danny Smythe, John Evans |
| Major Hits | “The Letter” – #1 US, #5 UK (1967) “Cry Like a Baby” – #2 US (1968) “Neon Rainbow” – #24 US (1967) “I Met Her in Church” – #37 US (1968) |
| Notable Albums |
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| Legacy | Known for soulful vocals, hit singles, and influence on future rock and pop musicians |
Formation and Early Years
The band that would become The Box Tops began in Memphis, Tennessee in 1963. They were originally called The Devilles and built a reputation by playing local gigs and winning a Memphis “battle of the bands” competition. But as they gained attention, they had to change their name to avoid confusion with other groups.
By 1967, their final pre-fame lineup included:
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Alex Chilton (vocals/guitar)
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Danny Smythe (drums)
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John Evans (guitar/keyboards)
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Bill Cunningham (bass/keyboards)
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Gary Talley (guitar)
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Larry Spillman (drums)
Chilton, just 16 at the time, was often compared to Stevie Winwood of the Spencer Davis Group due to his gritty, mature voice and young age. His expressive vocals made him the perfect fit for what local producers were seeking.
Discovering “The Letter”
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Songwriters and producers Chips Moman and Dan Penn had been looking for a young white soul singer with raw vocal power. When they heard Chilton, they knew they had found their star.
The band recorded “The Letter” at American Sound Studio in Memphis. Written by Wayne Carson Thompson, the song was under two minutes long but packed with emotion. Its gritty delivery and airplane sound effects gave it a unique character.
Released in mid-1967 on Bell Records (via subsidiary Mala), “The Letter” quickly shot up the charts:
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#1 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#5 on the UK Singles Chart
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#30 on the Billboard R&B Chart
It became the first No. 1 pop single recorded in Memphis, predating even hits from Sun, Hi, and Stax labels. The track also earned a gold certification for sales of over one million copies.
Hit Follow-Ups and National Fame
With the success of “The Letter,” The Box Tops were launched into stardom. They became teen idols and hitmakers almost overnight. Their producer Dan Penn began exerting more control over the band’s direction, choosing material and studio musicians to suit his vision.
Key Singles:
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“Neon Rainbow” (1967) – A lush, romantic tune that reached #24 on the Hot 100
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“Cry Like a Baby” (1968) – Written by Penn and Spooner Oldham, peaked at #2 on the Hot 100
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“I Met Her in Church” (1968) – Another Penn/Oldham song, reached #37
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“Choo Choo Train” and “Sweet Cream Ladies” – Became cult favorites despite modest chart success
These songs showcased the group’s versatility, moving from pop to psychedelic soul, often blending strings, horns, and Chilton’s signature vocal rasp.
Behind-the-Scenes Tensions
Despite their growing fame, The Box Tops faced serious behind-the-scenes issues. Producer Dan Penn began replacing the band with session players during recording sessions. Chilton remained the only consistent member on their studio output.
This, along with poor management, legal troubles, and financial exploitation, caused internal strain. Some members left to continue school and avoid the military draft. Others grew frustrated with the lack of creative control and poor treatment by promoters and label executives.
By 1969, following the release of their fourth album Dimensions, most of the original band had left. Penn also stepped away. The band dissolved shortly after, although Bell Records continued to release Box Tops material through 1971. Their final charting single, “You Keep Tightening Up on Me,” had only minor success.
Alex Chilton After The Box Tops
After The Box Tops disbanded, Alex Chilton pursued a new direction. In 1971, he formed the power pop band Big Star with friend Chris Bell. While Big Star never achieved mainstream commercial success, they became hugely influential in alternative and indie rock scenes.
Big Star’s records, including #1 Record and Radio City, are now considered cult classics. Chilton’s raw emotion and songwriting depth earned him respect as a major figure in underground music.
Reunions and Later Projects
In the 1980s, The Box Tops reunited for select performances and studio work. Though members were busy with their own careers, they continued to tour periodically. In 1998, they released a new album called Tear Off! with original members participating.
In 2001, The Box Tops recorded a cover of Blondie’s “Call Me” for the tribute album When Pigs Fly: Songs You Never Thought You’d Hear.
They remained active into the 2000s, performing sold-out shows in the U.S. and Europe, including a series of concerts in Germany. Despite their long break from the spotlight, fans were eager to see them live again.
The Death of Alex Chilton
On March 17, 2010, Alex Chilton passed away from a heart attack in New Orleans at age 59. His death marked the end of an era for The Box Tops and left a significant void in the music community.
Chilton’s legacy lives on through his work with both The Box Tops and Big Star. His unique voice and emotional range continue to influence artists across genres.
Legacy of The Box Tops
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The Box Tops remain a cornerstone of late 1960s rock and blue-eyed soul. They captured the tension, energy, and innocence of their era in just a few short years. Their music combined the grit of Memphis soul with the pop sensibility of British Invasion bands, creating something both raw and radio-friendly.
Their brief but impactful run helped pave the way for future soul-rock hybrids and confirmed Memphis as a powerhouse in American music.