Home / Arts and Entertainment / Songwriting Legend Chip Taylor Dies at 86
Songwriting Legend Chip Taylor Dies at 86
25 Mar
Summary
- Chip Taylor, famed songwriter, passed away on Monday, March 23rd.
- He was the creative force behind iconic songs like 'Wild Thing'.
- Taylor was also uncle to renowned actors Angelina Jolie and James Haven.
Chip Taylor, a celebrated songwriter whose compositions included the rock classic "Wild Thing" and the beloved ballad "Angel of the Morning," passed away on Monday, March 23, at the age of 86. His record label confirmed his death. Taylor, whose birth name was James Wesley Voight, was also a member of the renowned Voight family, being the brother of actor Jon Voight and geologist Barry Voight, and the uncle of Angelina Jolie and James Haven.
Taylor's prolific career began early, penning his first song at age 12 and leading a band by 16. After adopting the name Chip Taylor, he released music with Warner Bros. Records, achieving his first chart success in 1962 with "Here I Am." His most famous works, "Wild Thing" and "Angel of the Morning," became enduring hits, covered by numerous artists across generations and solidifying his legacy in music history.
Throughout his career, Taylor collaborated with many artists and expressed a deep passion for songwriting, aiming to create music that evoked genuine emotion. His ability to capture profound feelings in his lyrics earned him a permanent place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, leaving behind a rich musical catalog.
