Hoyt Axton

Hoyt Axton
Hoyt Axton on July 4, 1976
Background information
Birth nameHoyt Wayne Axton
Born(1938-03-25)March 25, 1938
Duncan, Oklahoma, U.S.
OriginComanche, Oklahoma
DiedOctober 26, 1999(1999-10-26) (aged 61)
Victor, Montana, U.S.
GenresCountry, folk, blues, rock
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • actor
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar
Years active1962–1999
LabelsA&M Records, Brylen Records, Vee Jay Records
WebsiteOfficial website

Hoyt Wayne Axton (March 25, 1938 – October 26, 1999) was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actor. He became prominent in the early 1960s, establishing himself on the West Coast as a folk singer with an earthy style and powerful voice. Among his best-known songs are "Joy to the World", "The Pusher", "No No Song", "Greenback Dollar", "Della and the Dealer", "Never Been to Spain", and "Boney Fingers".

He was also a prolific character actor, with many film and television roles to his credit, often playing a father figure in a number of films, including The Black Stallion (1979), Heart Like a Wheel (1983), and Gremlins (1984).