Chip Taylor, Legendary Songwriter of 'Wild Thing', Passes Away at 86
Chip Taylor, the acclaimed musician and songwriter best known for penning the iconic rock anthem 'Wild Thing', has died at the age of 86 after a battle with cancer. His career, which spanned an impressive seven decades, left an indelible mark on the music industry, with his songs recorded by a diverse array of artists including Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt, Janis Joplin, and Frank Sinatra.
The Enduring Legacy of 'Wild Thing'
Despite composing numerous hits, it was 'Wild Thing', written in just minutes in 1965, that became Taylor's most famous work. Originally commissioned for Jordan Christopher and the Wild Ones, their version failed to chart. However, when the Troggs recorded it in 1966, it soared to the top of the US charts and became a global sensation. Taylor praised the Troggs' rendition, calling it 'one of the greatest rock records ever made in terms of capturing the spirit of the song'. The song's fame was further cemented when Jimi Hendrix performed it at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, famously setting his guitar ablaze and propelling both the track and Hendrix into rock 'n' roll legend.
From 'Angel of the Morning' to a Gambling Hiatus
In stark contrast to the raw energy of 'Wild Thing', Taylor's next major hit was the country-flavoured ballad 'Angel of the Morning'. Inspired by the Rolling Stones' 'Ruby Tuesday', this song about an illicit love affair reached No. 4 on the US chart in 1968 with Merrilee Rush and again in 1981 with Juice Newton. It was also covered by artists like Johnny Cash, Nina Simone, and the Pretenders, and featured in Shaggy's 2001 chart-topper 'Angel'.
Taylor's life took an unexpected turn in the 1980s and mid-90s when, after a series of unsuccessful solo albums, he became a full-time gambler. He developed expert card-counting skills at blackjack tables, leading to bans from several casinos. He later conquered this addiction and returned to music in 1993, even launching a podcast, 'Church of the Train Wreck', as a self-help forum for fellow addicts.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born James Wesley Voight in Yonkers, New York, Taylor was the son of a professional golfer and a teacher. He was the younger brother of Hollywood star Jon Voight, making him uncle to Angelina Jolie and James Haven. Inspired by the musical 'My Wild Irish Rose' at age seven, he pursued music, forming the Town and Country Brothers in high school. After signing with King Records, he adopted the stage name 'Chip Taylor', reportedly because executives thought disc jockeys would struggle with 'Voight'.
While studying business at the University of Hartford, his song 'Here I Am' caught the attention of Burt Bacharach, leading to regional chart success. He later signed with publisher Aaron Schroeder, becoming a sought-after songwriter in the 60s and 70s, though his solo career faced challenges.
Later Career and Personal Life
Taylor enjoyed a fruitful partnership with violinist Carrie Rodriguez, releasing albums like 'Let's Leave This Town' (2002) and 'The Trouble With Humans' (2003) on his own Train Wreck Records. He continued to produce solo work, including 'Behind the Sky' (2024) and 'Words from Holy Gardens', released just six weeks before his death and inspired by his wife, Joan Carol Frey, who passed away in June 2025.
In 2016, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, performing 'Wild Thing' with his granddaughters. He is survived by his children, Kristian and Kelly, and several grandchildren.
