Chip Taylor, uncle of Angelina Jolie and songwriter behind '60s rock classic 'Wild Thing,' dies at 86
Chip Taylor, uncle of Angelina Jolie and songwriter behind '60s rock classic 'Wild Thing,' dies at 86
Sharareh DruryWed, March 25, 2026 at 5:28 PM UTC
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Chip Taylor in 2013Credit: Rebecca Sapp/WireImage
Chip Taylor, who penned memorable tunes like '60s hit "Wild Thing," has died at the age of 86, his family announced on Facebook Tuesday.
"We are sad to tell you that Chip passed away last night. His last days were peaceful," a statement from his children Kris and Kelly said. "Chip loved the amazing blessing it was to connect with people through music and truly appreciated this community. He considered you all friends. We will miss him greatly."
Singer and songwriter Billy Vera also paid tribute to his friend and collaborator Taylor on Instagram, writing, "RIP: Chip Taylor, my friend and songwriting mentor, last night in hospice."
Born James Wesley Voight, Taylor was the brother of actor Jon Voight and geologist Barry Voight, and uncle to actress Angelina Jolie and actor James Haven. Taylor's first big hit was "Wild Thing," made famous by the Troggs in 1966 and later by Jimi Hendrix in 1967.
Taylor also wrote "Angel of the Morning," which was originally recorded by Evie Sands in 1967 and popularized by Merrilee Rush and Juice Newton. Shaggy also used "Angel of the Morning" as inspiration for his hit "Angel" in 2001.
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Chip Taylor; Angelina JolieCredit: Rebecca Sapp/WireImage; Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty
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Taylor's musical work includes his own albums, including Last Chance and Yonkers, NY, which earned a Grammy nomination for best recording package. He also launched his record company, Train Wreck Records, in 2007, where he produced and released records for musicians including Evie Sands and Kendel Carson.
In 2016, Taylor was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, joined by his brother Jon.
Chip Taylor performing at the Grammy Museum in 2013Credit: Mark Sullivan/Getty
Reflecting on his work with The Guardian in 2023, Taylor said, "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."
Taylor is survived by his children and grandchildren. His wife Joan Carole Frey, whom he married in 1964, died in June 2025.
on Entertainment Weekly
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