Chip Taylor, “Wild Thing” and “Angel of the Morning” Songwriter, Dies at 86
#Chip Taylor #Wild Thing #Angel of the Morning #songwriter #obituary #music legend #hit songs
📌 Key Takeaways
- Chip Taylor, songwriter of 'Wild Thing' and 'Angel of the Morning', has died at age 86.
- His songs became major hits for other artists, influencing rock and pop music.
- Taylor's career spanned songwriting, performing, and producing over several decades.
- He is remembered for crafting iconic, enduring tracks that defined an era.
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🏷️ Themes
Music Industry, 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".
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
Chip Taylor's death marks the loss of a foundational figure in popular music whose songs became cultural touchstones across generations. His work directly impacted the careers of major artists like Jimi Hendrix, whose iconic Woodstock performance of 'Wild Thing' helped define psychedelic rock, and Juice Newton, whose 1981 version of 'Angel of the Morning' became a country-pop crossover hit. The news matters to music historians, fans of 1960s-1980s pop/rock, and the songwriting community, as Taylor's compositions demonstrated remarkable longevity and adaptability across genres and decades.
Context & Background
- Chip Taylor (born James Wesley Voight) was the brother of actor Jon Voight and uncle to actress Angelina Jolie, though he achieved fame independently in music.
- 'Wild Thing' was originally recorded by The Troggs in 1966 and became a #1 hit, but Jimi Hendrix's explosive 1969 Woodstock performance made it an anthem of the counterculture era.
- 'Angel of the Morning' was first a hit for Merrilee Rush in 1968, but had revivals by Juice Newton (1981) and Shaggy (2021), showing its enduring appeal across five decades.
- Taylor also had a successful career as a professional gambler and wrote country hits for others, including 'I Can't Let Go' for Linda Ronstadt and 'Son of a Rotten Gambler' for Emmylou Harris.
What Happens Next
Expect tributes from musicians across genres in coming weeks, particularly from country and classic rock artists influenced by his songbook. Music historians will likely reassess his legacy in broader 20th century popular music context. His songs will continue generating royalties and appearing in films/TV, with possible posthumous releases of unreleased material or tribute albums emerging within 6-12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
'Wild Thing' is arguably his most famous composition due to Jimi Hendrix's legendary Woodstock performance, though 'Angel of the Morning' has had more chart success across multiple decades with different artists.
While primarily known as a songwriter for others, Taylor recorded his own versions throughout his career and had a respected performing career in country and folk circles, particularly after returning to music from gambling in the 1990s.
The song's timeless theme of independent womanhood and memorable melody allowed successful reinterpretations across genres—from 1960s pop to 1980s country to 2020s reggae—each finding new audiences while maintaining the song's emotional core.
Taylor combined simple, memorable hooks with emotionally complex narratives, often exploring themes of love, independence, and risk that resonated across musical genres from rock to country to pop.
Taylor left music for professional gambling in the late 1970s, returning in the 1990s with a more mature country-folk style; his gambling experiences influenced later songwriting themes about chance and consequence.