The Musical Legacy of Chip Taylor: A Tribute to the Creator of “Wild Thing”

The music industry is mourning the loss of Chip Taylor—the prolific songwriter behind the classic hit “Wild Thing”—who has passed away at the age of 86.

News of his passing was first shared on March 24 by Billy Vera, a close friend and fellow artist. Vera posted a touching tribute on social media, noting that his friend and mentor had passed away in hospice care, accompanied by a photograph of the two musicians together.

Shortly after Vera’s announcement, Taylor’s children, Kris and Kelly, issued a heartfelt statement confirming the news. They shared that their father’s final days were peaceful and emphasized how much he cherished the ability to connect with others through his music. The family noted that he viewed his community of listeners not merely as fans, but as genuine friends, and expressed that he would be profoundly missed.

Born James Wesley Voight in 1940, Taylor was part of a distinguished family with deep ties to science and the arts. He was the younger brother of geologist Barry Voight and Academy Award-winning actor Jon Voight. This lineage also made him the uncle of actress Angelina Jolie and her brother, James Haven.

Taylor’s career in music began in the late 1950s. He originally performed with the group Town Three and released recordings under the name Wes Voight. Eventually, he took on the professional name Chip Taylor and discovered his primary talent was in songwriting, creating tracks that would leave an indelible mark on popular culture.

While “Wild Thing” is undoubtedly his most famous work, his portfolio was vast. He was the mind behind “Angel of the Morning,” which became a major hit for Merrilee Rush and has since been covered by countless artists. Over the decades, his compositions were recorded and interpreted by a diverse array of legendary performers, including Willie Nelson, Janis Joplin, Linda Ronstadt, Evie Sands, Cliff Richard, and The Hollies.

In addition to his success as a writer for others, Taylor enjoyed a notable career as a performer in his own right. His 1975 country single, “Early Sunday Morning,” reached No. 28 on the charts, highlighting his personal voice and his talent for narrative-driven songwriting.

His lifelong dedication to the craft was officially honored in 2016 when he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. This prestigious recognition celebrated the decades of creativity and the profound influence his work had on the evolution of modern music.

Throughout his later years, Taylor remained deeply appreciative of his audience. His family recalled that the bond he shared with his supporters was a source of great joy for him. To Chip Taylor, the people who loved his music were an extension of his own circle of friends.

He is survived by his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Carole Frey, who passed away in June 2025.