Hoyt Axton was an American musician, songwriter, and actor (1938–1999). He wrote hits that appealed to the country, pop, and rock markets in the 1960s and ’70s, including Joy To the World and Never Been to Spain, recorded by Three Dog Night, The Pusher, recorded by Steppenwolf, and Ringo Starr's No No Song. Axton released albums such as Free Sailin', Joy To The World, and Thunder 'N Lightnin'. He also had an acting career spanning film and television, with notable appearances in the films The Black Stallion, Liar's Moon, and Gremlins.