Chip Taylor, Songwriters Hall of Fame Member Who Wrote ‘Wild Thing’ and ‘Angel of the Morning,’ Dies at 86
#Chip Taylor #Songwriters Hall of Fame #Wild Thing #Angel of the Morning #songwriter #obituary #music industry
📌 Key Takeaways
- Chip Taylor, Songwriters Hall of Fame member, has died at age 86
- He wrote the iconic songs 'Wild Thing' and 'Angel of the Morning'
- Taylor was a celebrated songwriter with a career spanning decades
- His death marks the loss of a major figure in popular music history
📖 Full Retelling
🏷️ Themes
Music, Obituary
📚 Related People & Topics
Angel of the Morning
1967 song by Chip Taylor
"Angel of the Morning" is a popular song written by Chip Taylor, originally recorded by Evie Sands but which first charted with a version by Merrilee Rush. The song has been covered by many artists including Shaggy, Chrissie Hynde, Dusty Springfield, P. P. Arnold, Connie Eaton, Mary Mason, Guys 'n' ...
Chip Taylor
American singer and songwriter (1940–2026)
Chip Taylor (born James Wesley Voight; March 21, 1940 – March 23, 2026) was an American songwriter and singer noted for writing "Angel of the Morning" and "Wild Thing".
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Hall of fame and museum in Los Angeles, California, US
The Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF) is an American institution founded in 1969 by songwriter Johnny Mercer, music publisher/songwriter Abe Olman, and publisher/executive Howie Richmond to honor those whose work preserves and advances the heritage of English-language popular music. In addition to cel...
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
Chip Taylor's death marks the loss of a foundational figure in American popular music whose songs became cultural touchstones across generations. His work significantly impacted the music industry, providing hit songs for numerous artists and influencing rock, pop, and country genres. This news matters to music historians, fellow songwriters, and fans worldwide who grew up with his iconic compositions that defined eras of popular music.
Context & Background
- Chip Taylor (born James Wesley Voight) was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2016, recognizing his decades-long contribution to American music.
- His song 'Wild Thing' (1966), performed by The Troggs, became a rock anthem that has been covered by hundreds of artists including Jimi Hendrix at the Monterey Pop Festival.
- 'Angel of the Morning' (1967) became a massive hit for Merrilee Rush and later for Juice Newton in 1981, demonstrating Taylor's ability to write enduring songs that transcended decades.
- Taylor was the brother of actor Jon Voight and geologist Barry Voight, making him part of a notable American artistic and academic family.
- Beyond his famous hits, Taylor wrote country songs for artists like Willie Nelson and wrote 'I Can't Let Go' for The Hollies, showing his versatility across genres.
What Happens Next
Musical tributes and memorial events will likely be organized by the Songwriters Hall of Fame and music industry organizations in coming weeks. His catalog of songs will experience renewed attention and streaming increases as fans revisit his work. Music historians and critics will publish retrospective analyses of his influence on popular songwriting in the rock era.
Frequently Asked Questions
His most famous compositions are 'Wild Thing,' recorded by The Troggs and famously covered by Jimi Hendrix, and 'Angel of the Morning,' which was a hit for Merrilee Rush in 1968 and again for Juice Newton in 1981. He also wrote 'I Can't Let Go' for The Hollies and 'Any Way That You Want Me' for Evie Sands.
Taylor created songs that became cultural standards, with 'Wild Thing' emerging as one of rock's most recognizable anthems. His ability to craft hits across multiple decades demonstrated exceptional songwriting longevity. His induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame confirmed his status as one of America's most influential pop composers.
While primarily known as a songwriter for other artists, Taylor also recorded and performed as a solo country and folk artist, particularly in later decades. He released numerous albums under his own name, blending country, folk, and rock influences. However, he achieved his greatest commercial success through other artists' interpretations of his compositions.
'Wild Thing' became a rock standard that has been featured in countless films, commercials, and sporting events since its 1966 release. Jimi Hendrix's incendiary performance of the song at Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 helped establish it as a counterculture anthem. The song's simple, primal structure made it accessible to generations of garage bands and aspiring musicians.
Taylor was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2016, joining other legendary American songwriters. The organization recognized his 'prolific and diverse career' spanning over five decades. His induction ceremony featured performances of his songs by contemporary artists celebrating his contributions to American music.