Legendary rock band Three Dog Night will headline the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Concert in honor of the late Hoyt Axton, who penned two of the band’s biggest hits.

Three Dog Night dominated the rock charts during the early 1970s with songs such as “Joy to the World,” No. 1, and “Never Been to Spain,” No. 5, both of which were written by Axton.

During its heyday, Three Dog Night recorded 21 consecutive Top 40 hits. The band also had 18 straight songs that made the Top 20, 11 Top 10s, three No. 1 singles and 12 gold records.

The band’s lineup for the Nov. 1 OMHF concert will feature four of the band’s original members. Founding members and lead vocalists Cory Wells and Danny Hutton will front the band, featuring original keyboardist Jimmy Greenspoon and original guitarist Michael Allsup. Drummer Pat Bautz and bass guitarist and vocalist Paul Kingery round out the band’s roster.

Allsup, during a recent interview with OMHF vice chairwoman Sue Harris, had nothing but good things to say about Axton.

“Hoyt Axton was a big cuddly bear with so much music in him that I always felt honored to be his friend,” Allsup said.

Wells shared similar sentiments.

“I was in awe of what he had done, and as time went on found out what was inside of him,” Wells said. “He was fantastic.”

Axton will be inducted at the Hall of Fame’s 11th Annual Induction Ceremony Nov. 1 along with his mother, Mae Boren Axton, who co-wrote “Heartbreak Hotel.” That song later became Elvis Presley’s first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Charts. Axton later won a Grammy Hall of Fame award for her song.

“This is going to be one of the best shows in the state during Oklahoma’s Centennial year,” said Max Boydstun, OMHF board member. “It’s going to be just like all of us Okies: a little bit country, a little bit rock ‘n’ roll, and a whole lot of great Oklahoma music.”

Other Oklahoma artists who will be to be inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame this year include Cal Smith and the late Sammi Smith in the country music category. Tulsa guitarist Tommy Crook will be honored with the Eldon Shamblin Sideman Award. Oklahoma City-based Hinder, one of this year’s top selling rock groups, will receive the Rising Star Award.

The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization that has honored more than 37 individuals and bands since its inception more than 10 years ago. Its mission is to spotlight the innovators and music-industry icons from Oklahoma who have shaped music around the world

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