It's been a tough year for Big Star. In March, leader Alex Chilton tragically died of heart failure. And now, just four months later, the legendary power-pop group lost a second member on Monday, when founding bassist Andy Hummel passed away at the age of 59. A third member, Chris Bell, died in a car crash in 1978, five years after officially leaving the group. That leaves drummer Jody Stephens as the last man standing.

Hummel fell victim to cancer after battling the disease for several years. He reportedly found out that the cancer had advanced -- and that his condition was, indeed, terminal -- when he was recently hospitalized for a hip operation. But he was already well aware of his illness when he performed a heroic and guest-filled tribute show with Big Star in Austin, Texas during SXSW, just days after Chilton's death. That set was originally supposed to be a triumphant comeback showcase for the band, who had released a well-received box set in 2009 ('Keep an Eye on the Sky') and performed a couple high-profile celebratory gigs in London and New York. The tribute show in Texas was the first time in 35 years that Hummel performed with Big Star.

Hummel, Chilton, Bell and Stephens formed Big Star in 1971 and their untouchable debut, '#1 Record,' remains a must-own classic. It includes the hit 'In the Street,' which was remade by Cheap Trick as the theme song for the television series 'That '70s Show.' Big Star's follow-up album, 1974's 'Radio City,' is also an established pop masterpiece. And their influence continues to be felt -- as MTV.com points out, even the name of Katy Perry's current smash, 'California Gurls' is a bit of a nod to Big Star's hit, 'September Gurls.'

Although Hummel initially resigned from Big Star back in the mid-'70s and he resisted the temptation to rejoin the band during their sporadic reunions, he remained proud of Big Star's accomplishments. His contributions to pop music will continue to shine via their recorded legacy.