Legendary Songwriter Chip Taylor Passes Away at 86
Chip Taylor, the prolific songwriter responsible for timeless classics such as Juice Newton's "Angel of the Morning" and The Troggs' "Wild Thing," died on Monday while in hospice care. His passing was announced on Tuesday by his friend, singer Billy Vera, via an Instagram post. Taylor's children, Kelly and Kris, confirmed the news on Facebook, stating that he was 86 years old at the time of his death. No specific cause of death was provided.
A Peaceful Farewell and Musical Legacy
In a heartfelt message shared on Tuesday, Taylor's children expressed their sorrow: "Hi all - we are sad to tell you that Chip passed away last night. His last days were peaceful. Chip loved the amazing blessing it was to connect with people through music and truly appreciated this community. He considered you all friends." They added, "We will miss him greatly."
Taylor's career spanned over six decades, during which he penned some of the most beloved songs of his generation. His 1966 rock anthem "Wild Thing" became a No. 1 hit in the United States and was famously covered by Jimi Hendrix live at the Monterey Pop Festival that same year, an event that included Hendrix's iconic guitar-burning stunt.
From Family Shadows to Musical Stardom
Born James Wesley Voight on March 21, 1940, in Yonkers, New York, Taylor could have lived in the shadow of his Oscar-winning brother, actor Jon Voight, or been known merely as the uncle of acclaimed actress Angelina Jolie. However, he forged his own path, changing his name after record label executives deemed "Voight" too difficult to pronounce. After a brief stint at the University of Hartford and an unsuccessful attempt at professional golf, Taylor immersed himself in music, starting with a rockabilly band in Yonkers before joining April Blackwood Music.
As a producer at April Blackwood in 1976, Taylor demonstrated his keen eye for talent by signing both Billy Vera and singer-songwriter James Taylor, the latter of whom would go on to win six Grammy Awards and be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Chip Taylor himself received a Grammy nomination in 2011, though he lost to The Black Keys.
Iconic Songs and Lasting Impact
Taylor's songwriting catalog is extensive, including hits such as "I Can't Let Go" by Linda Ronstadt, "I Can Make It With You" by The Pozo-Seco Singers, and "Welcome Home" by Dusty Springfield. Despite this prolific output, he held a special fondness for "Wild Thing," which he once described in an interview with SpectroPop as "the start of punk" due to its raw, funky energy.
His follow-up hit, "Angel of the Morning," was first recorded by Evie Sands in 1967 and later by Merrilee Rush & The Turnabouts in 1968. Juice Newton's 1981 version went platinum and is noted as the first country song to be played on MTV. The song, a pop-country ballad about premarital sex, gained further prominence when it was featured in the 1999 film "Girl, Interrupted," starring Angelina Jolie, who won an Oscar for her role.
Personal Struggles and Enduring Recognition
Beyond his musical genius, Taylor faced personal challenges, including a serious gambling addiction that led to his banning from multiple casinos for card counting. In a 2008 interview with "CBS Sunday Morning," he admitted to making "a lot of money" from gambling and could have lived off those earnings. Despite this vice, his artistic legacy remained untarnished.
Taylor's songs were covered by iconic artists such as Frank Sinatra, Waylon Jennings, and The Fleetwoods. In 2016, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, a ceremony where he brought his grandchildren onstage to perform "Wild Thing" together, a poignant moment that highlighted his enduring influence and family connections.
Chip Taylor is survived by his children, siblings, and grandchildren, leaving behind a rich musical heritage that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
