Rock and novelty music figurehead, Mojo Nixon, known for his 1987 MTV success “Elvis Is Everywhere,” passed away on Wednesday, February 7, at the age of 66.
Originally named Neill Kirby McMillan Jr., Nixon was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina in 1957. He carved a distinctive path in the music industry with his unique fusion of humor and rock.
Nixon’s demise took place on the Outlaw Country Cruise, a setting that mirrored his dynamic lifestyle. A statement on his Facebook page indicated that he suffered an unspecified “cardiac event” while performing on the cruise. The message emphasized Nixon’s vibrant and straightforward approach to life and music by stating, “How you live is how you should die.” He was performing with his band, The Toadliquors, and other well-known artists like Steve Earle and Lucinda Williams.
Prior to his death, Nixon also recorded a SiriusXM Session at Sea with the band 49 Winchester. This allowed him to demonstrate his skills not only as a performer but also as a host on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country channel.
After moving to California in the early 1980s, Nixon’s music career began when he formed a partnership with Skid Roper. They released six albums from 1985 to 1990, with their project “Bo-Day-Shus!!!” featuring “Elvis Is Everywhere,” ranking at No. 187 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Nixon’s observant lyrics extended beyond Elvis; his 1990 song “Don Henley Must Die” from the album “Otis” gained popularity on Alternative Airplay, demonstrating his ability to combine sharp humor with musical talent.
In a notable episode from Nixon’s career, Don Henley appeared at a concert in Austin, Texas in 1992, requesting to perform the song that parodied him. Nixon remembered the incident with humor, noting Henley’s enthusiastic involvement.
Alongside music, Nixon also ventured into acting, featuring in the 1989 Jerry Lee Lewis film “Great Balls of Fire!” and playing the character Toad in the 1993 “Super Mario Bros” movie. His life and career were documented in “The Mojo Manifesto: The Life and Times of Mojo Nixon,” which premiered at the 2022 South by Southwest film festival.
Nixon is remembered not only for his music but also for his lively personality and his dedication to leading life on his own terms. Both his music and his role as a SiriusXM host continue to resonate with fans of all ages, underlining his influence on the music industry and beyond.
As remembrances continue to flood in, Nixon’s legacy is sure to endure, reflecting a life lived with genuine enthusiasm and a career that challenged conventional norms. Although the journey of the “Elvis Is Everywhere” singer has concluded, his music and the memories he shared with fans and fellow artists will continue to honor the spirit of an artist who truly did it his way.