HOYT AXTON

Hoyt Axton was a country western singer, songwriter, and actor from the 1940s to the 1990s. He is best known for writing the song "Joy to the World", made famous by Three Dog Night! His mother was also gifted songwriter Mae Boren Axton (best known for co-writing Elvis Presley's hit 'Heartbreak Hotel'). Some of his other songs include: The Pusher, When the Morning Comes, and Head for the Mountains. He also appeared in dozens of movies (most notably as the dad in Gremlins) and TV shows. Axton passed away in 1999 at the age of 61.