Chip Taylor, ‘Wild Thing’ and ‘Angel of the Morning’ Songwriter, Dead at 86
#Chip Taylor #Wild Thing #Angel of the Morning #songwriter #obituary #The Troggs #Merrilee Rush
📌 Key Takeaways
- Chip Taylor, songwriter of 'Wild Thing' and 'Angel of the Morning', has died at age 86.
- His songs became major hits for artists like The Troggs and Merrilee Rush.
- Taylor's work had a lasting impact on rock and pop music.
- He was also known for his later career as a country and folk performer.
📖 Full Retelling
🏷️ Themes
Music, Obituary
📚 Related People & Topics
The Troggs
English band
The Troggs (originally called the Troglodytes) are an English rock band formed in Andover, Hampshire, in May 1964. Their most famous songs include the US chart-topper "Wild Thing", "With a Girl Like You" and "Love Is All Around", all of which sold over 1 million copies and were awarded gold discs. "...
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' ...
Merrilee Rush
American singer (born 1944)
Merrilee Rush (née Gunst; January 26, 1944) is an American singer, best known for her recording of the song "Angel of the Morning", a top-10 hit which earned her a Grammy nomination for female vocalist of the year in 1968.
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".
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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 profoundly impacted both rock and pop music, with 'Wild Thing' becoming one of the most recognizable rock anthems ever recorded and 'Angel of the Morning' achieving enduring popularity through multiple iconic covers. This news matters to music historians, artists influenced by his songwriting, and millions of fans worldwide who grew up with his songs, which continue to be featured in films, commercials, and cultural moments decades after their creation.
Context & Background
- Chip Taylor (born James Wesley Voight) was the brother of actor Jon Voight and uncle to actress Angelina Jolie, connecting him to Hollywood royalty while he pursued music.
- 'Wild Thing,' originally recorded by The Troggs in 1966, became a #1 hit and was famously covered by Jimi Hendrix at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, cementing its status as a rock standard.
- 'Angel of the Morning' was first recorded by Merrilee Rush in 1967 and became a major hit, but gained even greater fame through Juice Newton's 1981 version which reached #4 on Billboard's Hot 100.
- Taylor had an unusual career trajectory that included a successful stint as a professional gambler in the 1970s before returning to music in the 1990s with acclaimed alt-country albums.
- Beyond his two most famous songs, Taylor wrote hits for other artists including 'I Can't Let Go' for The Hollies and 'Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)' for Janis Joplin.
What Happens Next
Musical tributes and retrospectives are likely to emerge across media outlets celebrating Taylor's legacy. Streaming services may create curated playlists featuring his original recordings and famous covers of his songs. Music historians and critics will likely reassess his broader catalog beyond his biggest hits, particularly his later alt-country work. Memorial services will be announced for family and close associates in the music industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Taylor's most iconic compositions are 'Wild Thing' (popularized by The Troggs and Jimi Hendrix) and 'Angel of the Morning' (recorded by Merrilee Rush, Juice Newton, and many others). These songs have remained culturally relevant for over five decades through countless covers and media placements.
While primarily known as a songwriter for other artists, Taylor did record and perform his own music, particularly during his later career resurgence in the 1990s and 2000s. He released numerous albums in the alt-country genre that received critical acclaim though less commercial success than songs he wrote for others.
'Wild Thing' became a defining garage rock anthem with its simple, primal structure that made it accessible to amateur musicians while still powerful enough for legends like Hendrix. Its three-chord progression and raw energy influenced the development of punk rock and helped democratize rock music creation.
Taylor had an unconventional career that included leaving music entirely in the 1970s to become a professional gambler, developing a successful system for betting on horse racing. He returned to music in the 1990s with a new focus on alt-country, demonstrating remarkable creative longevity across different eras.
Beyond the famous versions by The Troggs, Jimi Hendrix, Merrilee Rush, and Juice Newton, Taylor's songs were covered by diverse artists including Janis Joplin, The Runaways, Shaggy, Nina Simone, and many others across multiple genres from rock to reggae to R&B.