Hoyt Axton - Definition and Overview

Hoyt Axton (March 25, 1938—October 26, 1999) was a country music singer-songwriter and a film and television actor. His movie appearances include The Black Stallion, Heart Like a Wheel, Gremlins, and We're No Angels, among others. His television work included appearances on episodes of Bonanza, WKRP in Cincinnati, and Murder, She Wrote.

Axton was born in Duncan, Oklahoma, USA. His mother, Mae Boren Axton, co-wrote the song Heartbreak Hotel, which became the first major hit for Elvis Presley. Among his best-known compositions (or co-writing credits) are The Pusher, covered by Steppenwolf on their debut album in 1968; No-No Song, which became a #3 hit for Ringo Starr in March 1975; and Joy to the World, the Three Dog Night hit from April 1971 which spent six weeks at #1. He died of a heart attack in Victor, Montana.