Hoyt AXTON was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist and actor who wrote the popular Christmas carol 'Joy to the World'. He was born in Duncan, Oklahoma in 1938 and had a successful career in music, film and television. His songwriting credits include 'The Pusher' and 'Never Been to Spain'. He also acted in films such as Gremlins and The Black Stallion. AXTON's most famous composition is 'Joy to the World', which was released in 1971 and has since become a staple of Christmas music.