Americana #7
Tennessee 1971
Big Star was a rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1971. Known as the “quintessential American power pop band,” their music laid the foundation for alternative rock in the '80's and ‘90s.
Their debut album, #1 Record (1972), was critically acclaimed upon release, but failed commercially due to poor marketing and distribution. The band broke up by the end of that year.
However, their music gained a cult following many years later in the 1980s, primarily due to bands like R.E.M. and the Replacements, who cited them as major influences. Critics continued to praise their work, with Rolling Stone calling it "seminal" and noting its impact on rock musicians across generations. AllMusic referred to them as "one of the most mythic and influential cult acts" in rock history, praising Radio City (1973) as their "masterpiece."
Big Star eventually received the recognition they deserved with their induction into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 2014. Their influence on rock music endures, continuing to inspire new generations of musicians and listeners alike.
As a huge fan of Big Star, I'm honored to tell the story of this incredible band through this '71 Tennessee plate from our "Americana" collection.
