Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Mojo Nixon, a beloved musician, actor, and radio DJ known for his comedic songs, has died at the age of 66. His family confirmed his passing, describing it as “a cardiac event.” Nixon was aboard the Outlaw Country Cruise, where he was a co-host and regular performer.
The family’s statement to Rolling Stone described Nixon as “full-tilt, wide-open rock hard, root hog, corner on two wheels + on fire.” They recalled his energetic and passionate nature, noting that he “left the building” in the same fiery spirit in which he lived.
Nixon and his former partner, Skid Roper, gained recognition in 1987 with their song “Elvis Is Everywhere,” along with its low-budget MTV video. After recording six albums together, Nixon began his solo career and also dabbled in acting and radio DJing, eventually becoming a regular presence on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country channel in the mid-2000s.
Born in Chapel Hill but raised in Danville, Virginia, Nixon’s career took off in the Eighties with his unique blend of music and comedy. His hit song “Elvis Is Everywhere” led to appearances on The Arsenio Hall Show and collaborations with other artists, ultimately carving out a unique and influential space in the music industry.
Nixon’s passion wasn’t limited to music – he also explored acting, starring in the 1989 biopic “Great Balls of Fire” and the live-action “Super Mario Bros” in 1993. His diverse career also included a stint as a DJ in Cincinnati and San Diego before settling in at SiriusXM in the early 2000s.
In 2009, Nixon released an album of previously unreleased tracks titled “Whiskey Rebellion.” His impact and legacy were further cemented with the release of a documentary about his life and career, which premiered at SXSW 2022 before receiving widespread acclaim and recognition.
Surviving family members have not been publicly disclosed at this time. Mojo Nixon’s unique and energetic presence will be sorely missed by the music and entertainment industry.