Chip Taylor, the songwriter behind some of the most enduring and instantly recognizable songs in rock and roll – including “Wild Thing” and “Angel of the Morning” – died Monday, March 23, at the age of 86. His record label, Train Wreck, confirmed his passing, though a cause of death has not been disclosed.
Taylor’s songs became touchstones of their eras, resonating across generations and influencing countless artists. “Wild Thing,” with its raw energy and suggestive lyrics, captured the spirit of the mid-1960s, whereas “Angel of the Morning” evolved into a country-pop standard, enjoying renewed success decades after its initial release. Beyond these signature hits, Taylor penned a remarkably diverse catalog, earning him a place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Born James Wesley Voight in 1938, Taylor came from an artistic family. He was the brother of actor Jon Voight and geologist Barry Voight, and the uncle of actress Angelina Jolie and actor James Haven. He began writing songs at the remarkably young age of 12, according to a 2023 profile in The Guardian, and by 16 was leading a band called Wes Voight and the Town Three. A tour supporting Neil Sedaka led to a name change – becoming Chip Taylor – and a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records, where he released his first charting single, “Here I Am,” in 1962.
The Enduring Legacy of “Wild Thing”
Taylor’s breakthrough arrived with “Wild Thing,” first recorded in 1965 by Jordan Christopher and the Wild Ones. However, it was the 1966 rendition by The Troggs that catapulted the song to international fame. The song’s simple, driving rhythm and ambiguous lyrics struck a chord with audiences, becoming an anthem of youthful rebellion. But the song’s cultural impact extended far beyond the charts. A now-iconic performance by Jimi Hendrix at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, culminating in Hendrix famously setting his guitar ablaze, cemented “Wild Thing” as a pivotal moment in rock history. The song continued to be covered by a diverse range of artists, including The Runaways, The Muppets, and X, demonstrating its enduring appeal.
“A lot of people don’t realize what a stunning thing space is in a song,” Taylor told The Guardian in 2023. “’Wild Thing’ still gives me the chills; when I strike the chords and you know the spirit of it. It’s a nice feeling.”
“Angel of the Morning” and a Career of Collaboration
Taylor’s songwriting prowess wasn’t limited to a single hit. “Angel of the Morning,” initially recorded by Sands in 1967, found wider success through subsequent covers. Merrilee Rush and the Turnabouts took the song to Number Seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968. But it was Juice Newton’s 1980 version that truly solidified the song’s place in music history, selling over a million copies and reaching Number Four on the charts. Remarkably, the song experienced a further resurgence in 2001 when Shaggy interpolated it into his hit single “Angel,” which topped the charts in 12 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
“’Angel of the Morning’ is just such a spirited song and wrote itself very quickly,” Taylor explained to The Guardian. “I think it was inspired by a war movie that I’d seen on television the night before, where two lovers on different sides of the war were spending any time they could together. 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 see each other again — they would love each other forever and beyond time. It was a very serious song.”
Beyond the Hits: A Prolific Songwriter
Taylor’s career extended far beyond his two most famous compositions. He collaborated with a wide array of musicians, leaving his mark on a diverse range of genres. His catalog includes “He Sits at Your Table,” famously recorded by Willie Nelson, and “I Can’t Let Move,” co-written with Al Gorgoni and initially recorded by Evie Sands before being popularized by The Hollies in 1966 and Linda Ronstadt in 1980. Perhaps one of his most infectious creations, “Any Way That You Wish Me,” was also widely covered, with The Troggs achieving the most commercial success with their version.
In a 2018 interview on the television program Speaking Freely, Taylor offered insight into his creative process. “I just strive to let my spirit go some place, and then I try to catch up to it,” he said. “I just wanted to write stuff that made me perceive something.”
Details regarding memorial arrangements for Chip Taylor have not yet been announced. His record label, Train Wreck, is expected to release further information in the coming days. Taylor’s music, however, will undoubtedly continue to resonate with listeners for generations to come, a testament to the enduring power of his songwriting.
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