Hoyt Axton: Joy To The World

This week’s playlist celebrates the robust career of Hoyt Axton.

While he might not be a household name, Hoyt Axton was at the intersection of Folk, Country and Rock throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s, and you’re definitely aware of at least some aspect of his life.

His mom, Mae Borne Axton, co-wrote “Heartbreak Hotel” which became a number one single and Elvis‘ first million seller.

Elvis later recorded Hoyt’s “Never Been To Spain” which was also covered by Three Dog Night, Ike & Tina Turner, Cher and Waylon Jennings.

But it was Three Dog Night’s version of “Joy To The World” which made Mae and Hoyt the first mother and son to each have written a number one pop single.

Hoyt also wrote “The Pusher,” covered by Nina Simone and Blind Melon, but made famous by Steppenwolf‘s version featured in Easy Rider.

Speaking of movies, you probably know Hoyt Axton for his acting career.

Because, yeah, we’re talking about the dad from Gremlins.

So along with being the son of a famous songwriter, writing and performing his own classics, he’s best known as the dad responsible for giving one of the most destructive Christmas gifts of all time.

Though this begs the question: can you blame a mogwai for becoming a gremlin?

Let us know what you think, and what else you’d add to this week’s playlist.

Speaking of, a quick glance at this week’s playlist of all songs written by Hoyt gives you a taste of the goods he was slinging. For someone who would become a corporate spokesman for brands like McDonalds, Pizza Hut and FTD Florist, Hoyt Axton wrote quite a lot of songs about drug use. Hey, whatever it takes for that Greenback Dollar.

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Checkout other famous Oklahoman Storytime alums like Leon Russell and Carl Radle. Shout out to the Oklahoma Music Legends podcast that I stumbled upon doing research for this week’s Storytime. Typically less than 10 minute podcasts about musicians from the incredibly fertile artistic lands of Oklahoma (Not Arizona. What does it matter?)

And if you’re looking for more history Hoyt’s mom’s most famous song, check out the deep dive of “Solving The Mysteries Behind Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel” episode of Let It Roll podcast.