Alex Chilton, Charlie Gillett, Johnnie High

Three very different musicians but all very influential die on the same day.

Influential Big Star member Alex Chilton dies

Singer and guitarist Alex Chilton, who topped the charts as a teen and later became a cult hero with Big Star, died Wednesday. He was 59.

Chilton died at a hospital in New Orleans after experiencing what appeared to be heart problems, said his longtime friend John Fry. Fry said Chilton’s wife, Laura, was very distressed by the unexpected death.

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World music champion Charlie Gillett dies at 68

Charlie Gillett, a DJ and music historian who helped bring music from around the world to wider attention, has died at the age of 68, his employer, the British Broadcasting Corp. said Thursday.

The BBC said Gillett died in a London hospital on Wednesday. He had an autoimmune disease and last week suffered a heart attack.

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Country music impresario Johnnie High dead at 80

Johnnie High, a north Texas country music showman who gave such performers as LeAnn Rimes and Boxcar Willie their early exposure, has died at the age of 80.

High’s daughter, Luanne Dorman, says her father died Wednesday after battling heart disease.

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