Mojo Nixon, renowned for his unique humor-infused rock and the 1987 MTV hit “Elvis Is Everywhere,” passed away on Wednesday, February 7, at 66 years old.
Born as Neill Kirby McMillan Jr. in 1957 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Nixon left a significant imprint on the music industry with his distinctive musical style.
His death occurred aboard the Outlaw Country Cruise, a poignant setting for the singer known for his dynamic lifestyle. As per a statement on his Facebook page, Nixon succumbed to an unidentified “cardiac event” during the cruise, where he was performing along with other notable artists such as Steve Earle and Lucinda Williams and his band, The Toadliquors.
Before his demise, Nixon recorded a SiriusXM Session at Sea with the band 49 Winchester, demonstrating his skills as a performer and host on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country channel.
After moving to California in the early 1980s, Nixon’s music career began when he joined forces with Skid Roper. Between 1985 and 1990, the duo released six albums, including “Bo-Day-Shus!!!” which featured “Elvis Is Everywhere,” reaching No. 187 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Nixon was also known for his 1990 song “Don Henley Must Die,” a hit on Alternative Airplay that displayed his ability to merge musical talent with incisive humor.
A memorable incident from Nixon’s career was when Don Henley himself, the subject of Nixon’s satirical song, appeared at his performance in Austin, Texas, in 1992, requesting to sing the song in question. Nixon fondly recalled this event, noting Henley’s active participation.
Beyond his musical pursuits, Nixon also ventured into acting, with roles in the 1989 Jerry Lee Lewis film “Great Balls of Fire!” and the 1993 “Super Mario Bros.” movie. His life and career were further explored in the documentary “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 vibrant personality and his commitment to living life on his terms. His contributions as a musician and a SiriusXM host continue to resonate with fans, emphasizing the effect he had on the music industry and beyond.
Tributes continue to come in, indicating that Nixon’s legacy will persist. Despite the end of the “Elvis Is Everywhere” singer’s journey, his music and the memories he created will continue to honor the spirit of an artist who lived life his way.
