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Chip Taylor, Jon Voight‘s younger brother and legendary songwriter behind the 1966 rock classic ‘Wild Thing’, has died at 86. The Songwriters Hall of Fame member passed away on Monday, March 23, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that shaped pop music for generations.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Birth Name: James Wesley Voight, born March 21, 1940, in Yonkers, New York
- Career Length: Nearly 60 years of songwriting and performing, with approximately 220 songs written
- Hall of Fame: Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2016, with major hits spanning multiple decades
- Family Connection: Brother to Oscar-winning actor Jon Voight and uncle to Academy Award winner Angelina Jolie
The Man Who Wrote a Rock and Roll Legend
Chip Taylor created one of the most iconic songs of the 1960s when he penned ‘Wild Thing’ for The Troggs. The song became a massive hit, reaching audiences across generations. His prolific songwriting career spanned nearly six decades, during which he crafted songs for some of music’s biggest names. Beyond performing his own work, Taylor became known for his remarkable ability to write chart-topping hits. His songs appeared on albums by legendary artists, earning him respect throughout the music industry.
What made Taylor unique was his versatility, writing across multiple genres including pop, rock, country, and R&B. His contributions influenced countless musicians and helped define the sound of popular music. The songwriter’s work earned him critical acclaim and industry recognition that solidified his place among music’s most important figures.
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The Double Hit That Changed Everything
Taylor‘s songwriting reached its peak with two songs that became timeless standards. ‘Angel of the Morning’ was first recorded by Evie Sands but rose to prominence through Merrilee Rush’s 1968 version, which charted in the Top 10. The song achieved remarkable longevity, reaching the chart again decades later through Juice Newton’s 1981 cover. This song demonstrated Taylor’s gift for writing deeply emotional material that resonated across generations. Together with ‘Wild Thing’, these two compositions secured his place as one of music’s essential songwriters.
Beyond these iconic hits, Taylor wrote ‘I Can’t Let Go’ for The Hollies and ‘Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)’, among many others. His catalog included work for Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, and Dusty Springfield. This breadth of work showcased the depth of his talent and the universal appeal of his songwriting.
Personal Life and Family Legacy
| Detail | Information |
| Birth Name | James Wesley Voight |
| Birth Date | March 21, 1940 |
| Birthplace | Yonkers, New York |
| Notable Family | Brother Jon Voight, niece Angelina Jolie |
| Spouse | Joan Carole Frey (married 1964) |
| Children | Multiple children and grandchildren |
Taylor maintained his dedication to music throughout his life while building strong family bonds. He was married to Joan Carole Frey since 1964, and together they raised children and grandchildren. His family bore witness to his remarkable career evolution, from writing chart-topping hits to becoming a respected elder statesman of songwriting. Taylor later founded Train Wreck Records, his own independent label that supported artists and allowed him to continue shaping music into his later years.
Recognition from the Music World
The Songwriters Hall of Fame inducted Chip Taylor in 2016, recognizing his profound impact on popular music. This honor reflected the esteem in which the music industry held his work. Industry organizations and fellow musicians frequently acknowledged his contributions and influence. BMI, the performing rights organization, released a statement honoring Taylor’s passing and celebrating his decades of contributions to American music. Artists who worked with Taylor throughout his career spoke of his mentorship and creative inspiration.
His legacy extends far beyond individual awards and accolades. Taylor influenced multiple generations of songwriters who studied his craft and drew inspiration from his prolific output. The universality of his melodies and the emotional depth of his lyrics ensured that his songs remained relevant across decades. Radio stations worldwide continued playing his classics, introducing his work to new generations discovering timeless music.
Why Does a Songwriter Leave Such an Enduring Impact?
The passing of legends like Chip Taylor prompts reflection on what makes certain artists resonate across time. Taylor’s gift for melody, combined with his understanding of human emotion, created songs that spoke to universal experiences. ‘Wild Thing’ captured youthful energy and rebellion, while ‘Angel of the Morning’ explored vulnerability and hope. These weren’t just commercial successes but artistic achievements that touched people deeply. The fact that these songs remained significant 50 to 60 years after their creation speaks to the timeless quality of Taylor’s songwriting. His ability to write across genres and connect with different artists demonstrated the breadth of his talent.
Sources
- USA Today – Comprehensive obituary reporting his death and family connections
- The Hollywood Reporter – Detailed coverage of his songwriting career and major hits
- Rolling Stone – In-depth analysis of his contributions to rock and popular music
