One of the most depressing episodes in music history. The band Big Star, which influenced countless bands of the 80s and 90s with its groundbreaking artwork and is featured in many „greatest“ lists, remained completely unnoticed throughout its entire existence from 1971 to 1974. It was founded in Memphis, Tennessee by Alex Chilton (vocals, guitar), a former teenage rock star, Andy Hummel (bass, vocals) and Jody Stephens (drums), and complemented by another outstanding, unknown singer-songwriter, Chris Bell (guitar, vocals). Their first album was released in April 1972 on Ardent Records, a Stax sublabel. They created a whole new genre with their melodic power pop, which apparently nobody wanted to hear at the time. Stax's inability to properly manage and promote the band and their Ardent label certainly didn't help. Disappointed, Chris Bell left the group to pursue a solo career, but died in 1978 as a result of a car accident. The two subsequent albums were also commercially unsuccessful, and the band disbanded in frustration in 1974.

The LP #1 Record, now considered a milestone in history of rock by critics and musicians alike, is as a US original a highly sought-after collector's item due to its worldwide reputation.