There Was A Light: The Cosmic History of Chris Bell and the Rise of BIG STAR

Big Star was a band that found fame decades after their initial recordings. The reason for their failure to top the charts in the early- to mid-1970s are enigmatic, and the story of its co-founder Chris Bell even more so. The popularity of Big Star since the release of “No. 1 Record” in 1972 only continues to increase, the band being cited as influences by countless other bands. The curiosity surrounding the life of the Chris Bell has only surged with the booming popularity of the band and his untimely death at 27. His affinity for the British invasion fueled his creative drive. His work in Rock City and Icewater served as way stations to Big Star, formed with Alex Chilton, Andy Hummel, and Jody Stephens. The working arrangement would last a couple of years, but their legacy would endure decades. But the question remains: who is Chris Bell?

There Was a Light is a timeless beat-by-beat history of the too short life of Chris Bell, but also the life, death, and resurrection of Big Star. The author has culled interviews from a multitude of sources about Bell’s life as well as the Memphis background that gave birth to Big Star. Bell’s and Big Star’s existence was short, but the wealth of stories and quotes here provides a healthy sustenance for the truth seekers. A top-notch biography.