Beloved Singer-Songwriter, Producer & ELO Part II Member Dies at 70

Parthenon Huxley, known for his solo work and collaborations with Eels and ELO II, passed away in his sleep.

Published on Jan. 31, 2026

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Parthenon Huxley, a musician and producer who collaborated with the band Eels, toured with ELO II, and released multiple solo albums, died in his sleep at the age of 70. His wife, Helle Huxley, announced his passing on Facebook, though no cause of death was provided.

Why it matters

Huxley was a respected figure in the music industry, known for his influence on fellow artists and his lasting impact on fans. His death is a significant loss for the alternative rock community.

The details

Born Richard Willett Miller in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Huxley first gained notice in Chapel Hill, North Carolina with his 1983 single "Buddha, Buddha, Buddha." He later moved to Los Angeles and signed with Columbia Records, releasing his debut album "Sunny Nights" in 1988. Huxley also spent time as a staff songwriter for MCA Music Publishing and worked extensively with Mark Oliver Everett, the artist known as E and frontman of Eels, co-producing albums and co-writing hits. In 1998, Huxley joined ELO Part II, an offshoot of the Electric Light Orchestra, and toured the world with the group.

  • Huxley died in his sleep on January 30, 2026.
  • Huxley released his most recent solo album, "As Good as Advertised", in 2023.

The players

Parthenon Huxley

A musician and producer known for his solo work, collaborations with Eels, and touring with ELO II.

Helle Huxley

Parthenon Huxley's wife, who announced his passing on Facebook.

Mark Oliver Everett

The artist known as E and frontman of the band Eels, who collaborated extensively with Parthenon Huxley.

Bev Bevan

The original ELO drummer and co-founder who formed ELO Part II, the group that Parthenon Huxley later joined.

Jeff Lynne

The frontman of the Electric Light Orchestra, who was not involved with ELO Part II.

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What they’re saying

“So sad to hear of the passing of my old friend Parthenon Huxley. He was a big part of my early days in Southern California. The first person I ever met who had put out a record. We wrote songs together and he produced my first album, A Man Called E. We kept in touch over the years and he joined us onstage at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, Maryland, one of the last shows of our latest tour, a full-circle moment I'm very grateful for. Parmesan Huntsley, as I knew him (I never could get his name quite right) was one of the funniest people I've ever met and we've had countless laughs over the years, starting with the endless pile of hilarious cartoons he drew at my expense while making A Man Called E. I already miss him.”

— Mark Oliver Everett, Frontman of Eels (Eels' official Instagram account)

The takeaway

Parthenon Huxley's passing is a significant loss for the music community, as he was a respected and influential figure known for his collaborations, solo work, and lasting impact on fellow artists and fans. His legacy will continue to inspire those he worked with and the listeners who appreciated his unique musical contributions.