The entertainment world mourns the loss of Chip Taylor, the brilliant songwriter behind timeless hits like ‘Wild Thing’ and ‘Angel of the Morning.’ The 86-year-old, who was also the beloved uncle of Angelina Jolie, passed away peacefully in hospice. His music, recorded by artists from the Troggs to Jimi Hendrix, defined a generation and continues to echo through decades of popular culture.
Born James Wesley Voight, Chip Taylor leaves behind a legacy that transcends his family’s Hollywood fame. As the brother of actor Jon Voight and the uncle of actress Angelina Jolie, Taylor carved his own indelible mark on music history, not through blockbuster films but through songs that became anthems.
His 1966 composition “Wild Thing” exploded onto the scene via the Troggs’ primal rock version, then achieved mythic status when Jimi Hendrix performed a legendary, pyrotechnic rendition at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. The song’s three-chord simplicity and raw energy made it a garage-rock staple, covered by countless bands and forever synonymous with rebellious youth culture.
Taylor’s genius wasn’t confined to one iconic sound. He also wrote “Angel of the Morning,” first recorded by Evie Sands in 1967. The song became a major hit for Merrilee Rush (1968) and later for Juice Newton (1981). Its influence rippled further when Shaggy sampled its core melody for his 2001 chart-topper “Angel.”
A Family Legacy in Music and Film
Taylor’s connection to Hollywood ran deep. He was the brother of Academy Award-winning actor Jon Voight and the late geologist Barry Voight. Through Jon, he was the uncle of Angelina Jolie and actor James Haven. While his family dominated the silver screen, Taylor’s domain was the recording studio and the stage.
Beyond the Hits: A Career of Depth and Innovation
Reducing Taylor to just two songs would be a profound mistake. He released a series of well-received solo albums, including Last Chance and Yonkers, NY, the latter earning a Grammy nomination for best recording package. In 2007, he founded his own label, Train Wreck Records, championing artists like Evie Sands and Kendel Carson. His dedication to songwriting was formally recognized in 2016 when he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, an honor he shared with his brother Jon during the same ceremony.
The Artist’s Reflection and Personal Struggle
In a revealing 2023 interview with The Guardian, Taylor contemplated the enduring power of “Wild Thing.” He noted, “A lot of people don’t [realize] what a beautiful thing space is in a song. ‘Wild Thing’ still gives me the chills; when I strike the chords and you know the spirit of it. It’s a nice feeling.” This quote captures the unexpected emotional depth behind a seemingly simple rock anthem.
Taylor faced profound personal loss recently; his wife of over six decades, Joan Carole Frey, whom he married in 1964, died in June 2025. He is survived by his children, Kris and Kelly, and several grandchildren.
The Final Note
Taylor’s family announced on Facebook that he “passed away last night” in hospice, with his “last days [being] peaceful.” Fellow musician and longtime friend Billy Vera also paid tribute on Instagram, calling Taylor his “songwriting mentor.”
From the raw chords of “Wild Thing” to the bittersweet longing of “Angel of the Morning,” Chip Taylor’s songs are woven into the fabric of modern music. He was a true original—a rock ‘n’ roll poet who operated just outside the spotlight, yet whose work illuminated it for generations of listeners and performers.
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