Chip Taylor, ‘Wild Thing’ and ‘Angel of the Morning’ Songwriter, Dead at 86

Chip Taylor , the prolific songwriter behind hits “Wild Thing” and “Angel of the Morning,” died on Monday, March 23, at the age of 86. His death was confirmed by his record label, Train Wreck . A cause of death was not given. A Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, Taylor, born James Wesley Voight, was the brother of actor Jon Voight and geologist Barry Voight.

He was the uncle to actress Angelina Jolie and actor James Haven. Taylor penned his first song at age 12, according to a profile by The Guardian in 2023, and by the time he was 16 he led Wes Voight and the Town Three. Following a tour with Neil Sedaka and a name change to Chip Taylor, he began releasing recordings with Warner Bros.

Records. In 1962, he had his first chart single, “Here I Am.” Throughout his career, Taylor released numerous albums and singles, and carved out a reputation as one of the most successful songwriters of his time. His first big hit arrived in the form of “Wild Thing,” which was first recorded...