Chip Taylor, ‘Wild Thing’ Songwriter, Dies at 86

Chip Taylor, the songwriter behind some of the most enduring hits of the 1960s and beyond – including “Wild Thing” and “Angel of the Morning” – died on Monday, March 23, at the age of 86, his record label Train Wreck Records confirmed. Taylor’s passing marks the end of an era for a songwriter whose work resonated across generations and whose songs became touchstones of rock and roll history.

Born James Wesley Voight in 1940, Taylor was part of a creative family. He was the brother of actor Jon Voight and geologist Barry Voight, and the uncle of actress Angelina Jolie and actor James Haven. His musical journey began early, penning his first song at age 12, according to a 2023 profile in The Guardian. By 16, he was leading a band called Wes Voight and the Town Three, and later, as Chip Taylor, released recordings with Warner Bros. Records, achieving his first chart success in 1962 with “Here I Am.”

The Enduring Legacy of “Wild Thing”

Taylor’s breakthrough arrived with “Wild Thing,” a song that would turn into synonymous with the energy of the 1960s. Initially recorded in 1965 by Jordan Christopher and the Wild Ones, it was the British band The Troggs who catapulted the song to international fame in 1966. The song’s raw, driving sound quickly topped the Billboard charts and earned a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2019, recognized for its “lasting qualitative or historical significance.” But “Wild Thing” achieved an almost mythical status thanks to Jimi Hendrix’s iconic performance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, where he famously set his guitar ablaze although playing the song. “A lot of people don’t realize what a beautiful thing space is in a song,” Taylor reflected in The Guardian. “’Wild Thing’ still gives me the chills; when I strike the chords and you know the spirit of it. It’s a nice feeling.”

Beyond “Wild Thing”: The Story of “Angel of the Morning”

While “Wild Thing” cemented Taylor’s place in rock history, his songwriting prowess extended far beyond that single hit. “Angel of the Morning” proved to be another enduring success, though its journey to the top was more circuitous. First recorded by Sands in 1967, the song gained significant traction with Merrilee Rush and the Turnabouts in 1968, reaching Number Seven on the Hot 100. However, it was Juice Newton’s 1981 rendition that truly broke through, selling over a million copies and climbing to Number Four on the charts. The song’s influence continued into the 21st century, with Shaggy interpolating it in his 2001 hit “Angel,” which topped charts in twelve countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Taylor described the song’s inspiration as stemming from a war movie he’d seen on television, telling The Guardian, “People thought it was just a roll in the hay but I didn’t mean it like that at all. This was the most powerful love of two people who may never spot each other again — they would love each other forever and beyond time. It was a very serious song.”

A Prolific Career Spanning Decades

Taylor’s songwriting catalog is remarkably diverse, extending beyond his signature hits. He penned “He Sits at Your Table,” recorded by Willie Nelson, and co-wrote “I Can’t Let Go” with Al Gorgoni, a song later popularized by both the Hollies and Linda Ronstadt. He also crafted the infectious “Any Way That You Wish Me,” which became a staple for the Troggs and numerous other artists. Throughout a six-decade career, Taylor released over two dozen albums, balancing his songwriting with a parallel life as a professional gambler, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter.

In a 2023 interview, Taylor articulated his approach to songwriting, stating, “I just strive to let my spirit go some place, and then I try to catch up to it. I just wanted to write stuff that made me feel something.” This sentiment encapsulates a career dedicated to capturing and conveying genuine emotion through music.

In 2023, Taylor underwent treatment for throat cancer, documenting the experience in his album Behind the Sky, released in February 2024.

What Comes Next: Honoring a Songwriting Legacy

As news of Taylor’s death spread, tributes began to pour in from fellow musicians and fans alike. While details regarding memorial arrangements have not yet been announced, his music will undoubtedly continue to inspire and resonate with audiences for years to come. His songs, deeply embedded in the cultural fabric, serve as a testament to the power of songwriting and the enduring legacy of a true musical innovator. The impact of his work is clear: Taylor didn’t just write songs, he crafted moments that defined a generation and continue to echo through the decades.