The Box Tops 'The Letter' made me 'Cry Like A Baby'

<p>During their brief lifespan, the Box Tops earned a reputation as one of the best blue-eyed soul groups of the '60s, even if their recorded legacy wasn't as large or consistent as, say, <a href= "https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-righteous-brothers-mn0000424296"> <strong>the Righteous Brothers</strong></a> or <a href= "https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-rascals-mn0000493122"><strong>the Rascals</strong></a>. Today they're remembered not only for their smashes "The Letter" and "Cry Like a Baby," but as the launching pad for singer <a href= "https://www.allmusic.com/artist/alex-chilton-mn0000620155"><strong> Alex Chilton</strong></a>, who went on to become one of rock's most revered cult figures thanks to his groundbreaking power pop unit <a href= "https://www.allmusic.com/artist/big-star-mn0000051992"><strong>Big Star</strong></a>. In his teenage years, <a href= "https://www.allmusic.com/artist/chilton-mn0000620155"><strong>Chilton</strong></a> was an amazingly gritty Memphis soul belter akin to an American version of <a href= "https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-spencer-davis-group-mn0000482600"> <strong>the Spencer Davis Group</strong></a>'s <a href= "https://www.allmusic.com/artist/stevie-winwood-mn0000045313"><strong> Stevie Winwood</strong></a>. The Box Tops' music also encompassed touches of pop and psychedelia, although the group's own lack of control over it eventually led to their split-up.</p> <p>The Box Tops began life as <a href= "https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-devilles-mn0001260723"><strong> the Devilles</strong></a>, a white R&B group featuring guitarists <a href= "https://www.allmusic.com/artist/gary-talley-mn0001776711"><strong>Gary Talley</strong></a> and John Evans, bassist <a href= "https://www.allmusic.com/artist/bill-cunningham-mn0001209199"><strong> Bill Cunningham</strong></a>, and drummer <a href= "https://www.allmusic.com/artist/danny-smythe-mn0001262739"><strong> Danny Smythe</strong></a>. After the band's local popularity blossomed, teenage singer <a href= "https://www.allmusic