Big Star was an American rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1971 by Alex Chilton, Chris Bell, Jody Stephens, and Andy Hummel. Hailed as the quintessential American power pop group, Big Star became legendary for their melodic songwriting and influential sound, which drew heavily from 1960s bands like the Beatles and the Byrds. Despite critical acclaim for albums such as Number One Record and Radio City, the band struggled with poor distribution and frequent label issues, leading to commercial disappointment and lineup changes. Their third album, Third Sister Lovers, was released after the band had already broken up but has since achieved cult status. Although commercial success eluded them during their original run, Big Star's innovative approach paved the way for alternative rock of the 1980s and 1990s, inspiring acts like R E M and the Replacements. The band experienced a resurgence in the 1990s, briefly reforming to tour and record new material. Following the deaths of Chilton and Hummel in 2010, Jody Stephens remains the only founding member. Big Star’s legacy endures through their genre-defining albums, influential songwriting, and continued recognition, including their induction into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 2014.