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Chip Taylor, the legendary songwriter who wrote “Wild Thing” and “Angel of the Morning,” died on Monday, March 23, at age 86. His death left the music world mourning one of rock’s most influential pen-names.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Real Name: James Wesley Voight, born March 21, 1940 in Yonkers, New York
- Legacy: Songwriters Hall of Fame member who penned two of rock’s most covered songs
- Family Ties: Brother of actor Jon Voight, uncle to actress Angelina Jolie
- Career Span: Active songwriter from the 1960s through 2026, releasing 30+ solo albums
How Wild Thing Became a Rock Legend
Chip Taylor wrote “Wild Thing” in 1965, but it reached immortal status in 1966 when the Troggs recorded it. The song exploded into the rock canon, and Jimi Hendrix cemented it into mythology with his legendary Monterey Pop Festival performance in 1967, where he famously set his guitar on fire. The track became endlessly covered by the Runaways, the Muppets, and X.
Taylor reflected on his masterpiece in 2023 in an interview with The Guardian, saying the song still gave him chills. “‘Wild Thing” still gives me the chills, when I strike the chords and you know the spirit of it,” he explained, describing the beauty of space in songwriting.
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Angel of the Morning and a String of Massive Hits
Beyond “Wild Thing,” Taylor wrote “Angel of the Morning,” another songwriting triumph that became a cultural touchstone across five decades. Originally recorded by Evie Sands in 1967, the song reached number seven for Merrilee Rush and the Turnabouts in 1968. Juice Newton’s 1981 cover went platinum and hit number four.
Shaggy sampled the song for his 2001 number one hit “Angel,” introducing the composition to millions of new listeners. Taylor won four BMI Awards during his distinguished career, including for “Angel,” “Son of a Rotten Gambler,” and “Wild Thing.”
A Prolific Songwriter Who Worked With Icons
Taylor began writing songs at age 12 and had his first chart single, “Here I Am,” in 1962. His songwriting credits span generations of artists. He penned “I Can’t Let Go” for the Hollies in 1966 and Linda Ronstadt in 1980. Willie Nelson recorded “He Sits at Your Table,” while Janis Joplin immortalized “Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)” as a powerful closing statement.
| Achievement | Details |
| First Hit | “Wild Thing” (1965-1966 by the Troggs) |
| Hall of Fame | Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee |
| Greatest Legacy | Two eternally covered songs defining multiple eras |
| Record Label | Founded Train Wreck Records in 2007 |
“I just try 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.”
— Chip Taylor, from a Speaking Freely interview
From Songwriter to Solo Artist and Culture Maker
Taylor released over 30 solo albums starting in the 1970s, reinventing himself as a performer. In the 2000s, he collaborated with singer Carrie Rodriguez on Americana projects, earning critical acclaim for Red Dog Tracks in 2005. His 2011 album Yonkers, NY earned a Grammy nomination for best recording package. Taylor’s music even found new audiences through Netflix, with his song “On the Radio” featured in Season 2 of Sex Education.
His record label, Train Wreck Records, launched in 2007, allowed him to release music independently and support other artists. Taylor lived in New York and performed regularly with his band The New Ukrainians throughout the 2010s, always including his two greatest songs in every show.
What Will Chip Taylor’s Songwriting Legacy Mean for Future Generations?
Chip Taylor wrote songs that transcended decades, genres, and cultural moments. “Wild Thing” became a punk anthem, a comedy favorite, and a rock staple all at once. “Angel of the Morning” captured complex love and loss in just a few perfect verses. He proved that great songwriting isn’t about trends or chart positions, it’s about capturing the human spirit.
With his passing, the world lost a living connection to rock’s golden age and a master craftsman who never stopped creating. His influence will echo through every cover, every sample, and every artist inspired by his fearless, emotionally honest approach to songwriting.
Sources
- Rolling Stone – Chip Taylor obituary and career retrospective
- Wikipedia – Comprehensive biography and discography of James Wesley Voight
- BMI – Remembrance of legendary songwriter Chip Taylor
