Chris Bell

The Profile

American singer-songwriter and guitarist from Memphis, Chris Bell co-founded Big Star and later recorded solo material compiled posthumously as I Am the Cosmos. He died in a car accident in 1978, leaving a lasting cult legacy.

Co-founder of Big Star with Alex Chilton; American musician from Memphis; died in a car accident in 1978; posthumous solo collection I Am the Cosmos (1992); songs I Am the Cosmos and You and Your Sister became cult favorites and were covered by artists including This Mortal Coil and James Iha.

A single, glowing review celebrates Chris Bell’s posthumous I Am the Cosmos, noting its rough-edged recordings, power-pop heart, and fragile emotional pull. Highlights include both the title track and You and Your Sister, plus deep cuts like There Was A Light and Speed Of Sound. Bell’s legacy is framed alongside Big Star and Alex Chilton.