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Chip Taylor, the legendary songwriter who penned the timeless rock anthem Wild Thing, died Monday, March 23, at age 86. His iconic compositions shaped generations of music. The music world has lost a true American songwriting legend.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Death date: Monday, March 23, 2026, in hospice care at age 86
- Famous hits: Wild Thing (1966 by The Troggs), Angel of the Morning, and over 200 film/TV placements
- Family: Brother of Oscar-winning actor Jon Voight, uncle to Angelina Jolie
- Recognition: Inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2016, Grammy Hall of Fame in 2019
The Man Behind Wild Thing
James Wesley Voight, born March 21, 1940, in Yonkers, New York, created one of rock’s most recognizable melodies at age 12 when he penned his first song. By age 16, the future legend led Wes Voight and the Town Three. His breakthrough came in 1965 when Jordan Christopher and the Wild Ones first recorded Wild Thing. But it was The Troggs’ 1966 version that launched the song into immortality, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
The track achieved legendary status when Jimi Hendrix performed it live at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, famously setting his guitar ablaze. That moment cemented Wild Thing in rock mythology forever. The song has since been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for its lasting cultural significance.
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A Prolific Legacy Beyond Wild Thing
Angel of the Morning, Taylor’s other masterpiece, first appeared on a 1967 Evie Sands recording but became a superstar hit in 1968 via Merrilee Rush. Juice Newton’s 1981 version sold over a million copies and reached Number Four on the charts. The song appeared in blockbuster films like Jerry Maguire and Deadpool & Wolverine.
Taylor’s songwriting prowess extended far beyond these two classics. Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt, The Hollies, and Janis Joplin all recorded his compositions. His works appeared on 200+ film and TV soundtracks. In 2001, Shaggy interpolated Angel of the Morning for his hit Angel, which topped charts in 12 countries.
Chart Performance & Recognition Timeline
| Achievement | Year | Details |
| First chart hit | 1962 | Here I Am on Warner Bros. Records |
| Wild Thing released | 1965 | The Troggs version hit number 1 |
| Songwriters Hall of Fame | 2016 | Inducted with brothers in attendance |
| Grammy Hall of Fame | 2019 | Wild Thing recognized for lasting significance |
“Wild Thing still gives me the chills. When I strike the chords and you know the spirit of it, it’s a nice feeling.”
— Chip Taylor, in an interview with The Guardian, 2023
A Remarkable Second Act
After decades of songwriting royalties, Taylor pursued professional gambling during the 1980s-1990s, achieving success on New Jersey blackjack tables and horse racing. Yet he returned to music in the 1990s to sing for his dying mother, transforming personal pain into artistic inspiration. He founded his own Train Wreck Records label in 2007, remaining incredibly prolific into his 80s.
In December 2022, Taylor announced a diagnosis of treatable throat cancer. Despite radiation and chemotherapy, he continued creating music. His 2024 album Behind The Sky was inspired by his cancer treatment. His 2025 album Son of a Golf Pro celebrated his father’s influence. His final album, Words From Holy Gardens, released in February 2026, honored his late wife Joan.
What Will History Remember About This Songwriting Icon?
Chip Taylor didn’t just write pop hits; he composed the soundtrack to countless lives. Wild Thing became a cultural touchstone, covered by legends and unknowns alike, from The Runaways to The Muppets to X. His brother, Oscar-winning actor Jon Voight, presented his 2016 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction. Three of his granddaughters performed Wild Thing alongside him that unforgettable night.
Taylor was married to his childhood sweetheart Joan Carole Frey from 1964, had two children, and reunited with Joan after a temporary separation, representing a modern love story. She passed away in June 2025. In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations to the Metropolitan Golf Association Caddie Scholarship Fund, honoring his father’s legacy as a professional golfer and Taylor’s lifelong passion for the sport.
Sources
- Rolling Stone – Chip Taylor’s complete obituary and career retrospective
- USA Today – Comprehensive biography with family ties and musical achievements
- Wikipedia – Detailed discography and personal life documentation
