The influential songwriter Chip Taylor, best known for penning the iconic hits “Wild Thing” and “Angel of the Morning,” has died at the age of 86. His passing was confirmed on Monday, March 23, by his record label, Train Wreck. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Born James Wesley Voight, Taylor was an inductee of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and hailed from a notable family. He was the brother of actor Jon Voight and geologist Barry Voight, and uncle to acclaimed actors Angelina Jolie and James Haven.
Taylor’s musical journey began early, penning his first song at just 12. By 16, he was leading his own group, Wes Voight and the Town Three. After touring with Neil Sedaka and adopting the moniker Chip Taylor, he started releasing recordings with Warner Bros. Records, achieving his first chart single, “Here I Am,” in 1962.
A Legacy Etched in Rock History
Taylor’s reputation as a prolific and successful songwriter was solidified with “Wild Thing.” Initially recorded by Jordan Christopher and the Wild Ones in 1965, it truly exploded into a smash hit the following year with The Troggs’ iconic version. Its status as a rock anthem was cemented by Jimi Hendrix’s fiery live performance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival.
The song’s raw energy and enduring appeal led to countless covers by diverse artists, including The Runaways, The Muppets, and X. Taylor reflected on its timeless power, stating, “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,”
Another cornerstone of Taylor’s catalog, “Angel of the Morning,” premiered with Sands in 1967. Merrilee Rush and the Turnabouts took their version to Number Seven on the Hot 100 in 1968. Over a decade later, Juice Newton’s rendition sold over a million copies and climbed to Number Four.
The song found renewed global success in 2001 when Shaggy interpolated it into his hit track “Angel,” which soared to Number One in 12 countries. Taylor described the song as incredibly spirited and quickly written, adding, “‘Angel of the Morning’ is just such a spirited song and wrote itself very quickly,” He continued, “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.”
The Undeniable Influence of a Songwriting Maverick
Chip Taylor’s passing marks the end of an era for a true songwriting maverick whose influence extended far beyond his name recognition. While many knew the songs, fewer recognized the genius behind them, a testament to his ability to craft universally appealing tunes that transcended genres and decades. His career trajectory, from leading a local band to penning chart-toppers for others, highlights a unique dedication to the craft rather than self-fronted stardom. This approach, similar to unsung heroes like Doc Pomus or Carole King's early career with Gerry Goffin, focused on the song itself as the ultimate artifact.
Taylor’s knack for creating enduring narratives, whether the primal energy of “Wild Thing” or the poignant romance of “Angel of the Morning,” showcases a profound understanding of human emotion. His work didn't just top charts; it became embedded in cultural memory, passed down through generations of artists and listeners. The continuous reinterpretations of his tracks, from Jimi Hendrix to Shaggy, underscore the timeless quality of his compositions, proving that a well-written song can truly live forever. His legacy is not just in the hits, but in the countless artists he inspired and the indelible mark he left on popular music.
Throughout his extensive career, Taylor collaborated with a diverse array of musicians and songwriters. His vast repertoire includes Willie Nelson’s recording of “He Sits at Your Table” and the widely covered “Any Way That You Want Me,” a track famously popularized by The Troggs. He also co-wrote “I Can’t Let Go,” a hit for The Hollies and later Linda Ronstadt.
Taylor often spoke about his intuitive songwriting process. During a “Speaking Freely” television interview, he explained, “I just try to let my spirit go some place, and then I try to catch up to it.” He summarized his artistic motivation simply: “I just wanted to write stuff that made me feel something.”
