Mojo Nixon, an iconic figure in the world of rock and novelty music, known for his 1987 MTV hit “Elvis Is Everywhere,” died on Wednesday, February 7 at the age of 66.
Nixon, born Neill Kirby McMillan Jr. in 1957 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, left an indelible mark on the music industry with his unique blend of humor and rock.
Nixon’s death occurred aboard the Outlaw Country Cruise, a setting that seemed almost poetically fitting for the singer known for his full-throttle lifestyle. According to a statement released on his Facebook page, Nixon succumbed to an unspecified “cardiac event” while on the cruise, where he had been performing. The post encapsulated Nixon’s ethos, stating, “How you live is how you should die,” highlighting his vibrant and unapologetic approach to life and music. Nixon was performing alongside his band, The Toadliquors, and other notable artists such as Steve Earle and Lucinda Williams.
Before his passing, Nixon also recorded a SiriusXM Session at Sea with the band 49 Winchester, showcasing his talents not just as a performer but also in his role as a host on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country channel.
Nixon’s journey into music began after moving to California in the early 1980s, where he teamed up with Skid Roper. The duo released six albums between 1985 and 1990, with their project “Bo-Day-Shus!!!” featuring “Elvis Is Everywhere,” peaking at No. 187 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Nixon’s critical eye wasn’t just focused on Elvis; his 1990 song “Don Henley Must Die” from the album “Otis” was a hit on Alternative Airplay, showcasing Nixon’s knack for blending sharp wit with musical talent.
One memorable moment in Nixon’s career came when Don Henley himself appeared at Nixon’s gig in Austin, Texas, in 1992, asking to sing the very song that lampooned him. Nixon recalled the event with amusement, noting Henley’s enthusiastic participation.
Aside from his musical career, Nixon also made his mark in acting, appearing in the 1989 Jerry Lee Lewis film “Great Balls of Fire!” and starring as Toad in the 1993 “Super Mario Bros.” movie. His life and career were also the subjects of the documentary “The Mojo Manifesto: The Life and Times of Mojo Nixon,” which debuted at the 2022 South by Southwest film festival.
Nixon’s departure has left a void in the music world, remembered not just for his songs but for his vibrant personality and his commitment to living life on his own terms. His work, both as a musician and as a SiriusXM host, continues to resonate with fans old and new, underscoring the impact he had on the music industry and beyond.
As tributes pour in, it’s clear that Nixon’s legacy will endure, a testament to a life lived with unabashed zeal and a career that defied conventional norms. The “Elvis Is Everywhere” singer’s journey may have come to an end, but his music and the memories he created with fans and fellow artists alike will continue to celebrate the spirit of an artist who truly did it his way.
