Mojo Nixon

Biography of Mojo Nixon

Mojo Nixon, born Neill Kirby McMillan Jr. on August 2, 1957, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was a one-of-a-kind American musician, actor, and radio host who left his mark on rock ‘n’ roll. Growing up in Danville, Virginia, he was surrounded by the South’s soulful sounds. His dad ran a soul radio station, introducing young Neill to legends like James Brown and Arthur Conley—tunes that stuck with him and shaped the wild, quirky character he’d later become known as: Mojo Nixon.

Early Life and Education

As a kid in Danville, Mojo was a restless, free-spirited troublemaker. His love for music really kicked in during his teens—on his 17th birthday, he couldn’t stop spinning Elvis Presley songs on a jukebox. After high school, he headed to Miami University in Ohio, picking up a degree in political science and history in 1979. Fresh out of college, he took off for London, dreaming of crashing the punk rock scene, but ended up strumming on street corners to scrape by. Back in the U.S. by 1980, he signed up with Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) and worked as a community organizer in Denver. There, he started singing Woody Guthrie and Lead Belly tunes for out-of-work folks and put together his first punk outfit, Zebra 123. Those early days were all about testing the waters and pushing boundaries—traits that stuck with him for good.

Personal Life

Mojo Nixon tied the knot with Adaire McMillan, and they built a strong, loving life together until he passed. They raised two boys, Ruben and Rafe, and later doted on a granddaughter. Offstage, despite his big, bold persona, Mojo was a guy who always had time for his family and buddies.

Professional Career and Achievements

Mojo’s career started heating up in San Diego in the early ‘80s when he teamed up with percussionist Skid Roper. Their rough-around-the-edges vibe and sharp, funny lyrics turned heads fast. They dropped their first album, Mojo Nixon and Skid Roper, in 1985 on Enigma Records, with oddball tracks like “Jesus at McDonald’s.” But it was their third record, Bo-Day-Shus!!! (1987), that blew up with “Elvis Is Everywhere”—a wacky tribute to Elvis Presley that turned into a cult favorite. His music mashed up rockabilly and punk into what folks call psychobilly, loaded with laughs and sly digs at the world. Tunes like “Stuffin’ Martha’s Muffin” (poking fun at MTV’s Martha Quinn) and “Debbie Gibson Is Pregnant with My Two-Headed Love Child” took swings at pop stars, while “I Hate Banks” grumbled about bigger stuff. His no-holds-barred approach won over college radio and landed him on MTV. After splitting with Skid Roper in 1989, Mojo went solo with albums like Otis (1990) and later started the Toadliquors. He also popped up in movies like Super Mario Bros. (1993) and Great Balls of Fire! (1989). Plus, he won fans as a radio host with The Loon in the Afternoon on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country channel.

Contributions and Legacy

Mojo Nixon did more than just write funny songs and rock out. He lifted up indie music, mixing Southern roots with punk attitude to cook up a sound that didn’t fit any box and clicked with fans young and old. His big mouth and bold ideas made him a troublemaker in the best way—always poking at the status quo while laughing at life’s weirdness. In his later years, he kept performing and hosting, dropping new tracks now and then while keeping crowds grinning with his sharp wit. A documentary, The Mojo Manifesto: The Life and Times of Mojo Nixon, debuted at South by Southwest in 2022, telling his story loud and proud.

Death and Legacy

Mojo Nixon left us on February 7, 2024, at 66, after a cardiac arrest hit him during the Outlaw Country Cruise near San Juan, Puerto Rico. His family said it was a fitting end for a guy who lived life full throttle, always chasing music and stories with everything he had. Mojo’s legacy lives on as a rebel who did things his way through his art. His songs still shout about the power of humor and standing out. Fans love him for his wild stunts, sure, but also for how much he truly cared about rock ‘n’ roll.