The Story Behind Chip Taylor: A Songwriter Who Shaped Generations
Chip Taylor, the influential songwriter behind some of the most recognizable songs in modern music history, has died at the age of 86. The news was confirmed by close friend and collaborator Billy Vera, who noted that Taylor passed away peacefully while in hospice care.
- The Story Behind Chip Taylor: A Songwriter Who Shaped Generations
- From James Wesley Voight to Chip Taylor
- Writing “Wild Thing”: A Defining Moment in Rock History
- “Angel of the Morning”: A Song That Refused to Fade
- A Songwriter’s Songwriter
- A Career Marked by Reinvention
- Recognition and Legacy
- Cultural Impact: Beyond the Charts
- Conclusion: A Legacy Built on Simplicity and Feeling
Though not always a household name, Taylor’s work has echoed across decades, genres, and generations. His songs—most notably “Wild Thing” and “Angel of the Morning”—became defining anthems, recorded and reinterpreted by some of the most prominent artists in music.
From James Wesley Voight to Chip Taylor
Born James Wesley Voight on March 21, 1940, in Yonkers, New York, Taylor grew up in a creative and supportive household.
He was part of a notable family:
- Brother of Academy Award-winning actor Jon Voight
- Uncle to actress Angelina Jolie
Despite this Hollywood lineage, Taylor built his own legacy in music—quietly but profoundly.
His early exposure to music proved transformative. He later recalled being “mesmerized” after attending a musical performance as a child, a moment he described as life-changing and foundational to his creative journey.
Writing “Wild Thing”: A Defining Moment in Rock History
Few songs capture raw energy like “Wild Thing.”
Written in the mid-1960s, the track was initially recorded by Jordan Christopher and the Wild Ones but failed to gain traction. It wasn’t until British band The Troggs recorded it that the song exploded into global consciousness, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966.
Taylor himself acknowledged the simplicity and spontaneity behind the song’s creation:
“It wasn’t one of those pretty little country songs. And it was very sexy.”
The track’s stripped-down sound and raw delivery helped lay the groundwork for garage rock and early punk, influencing later artists like Jimi Hendrix, who famously performed—and set fire to his guitar—during a live rendition at the Monterey Pop Festival.
“Angel of the Morning”: A Song That Refused to Fade
If “Wild Thing” was about primal energy, “Angel of the Morning” showcased Taylor’s emotional depth.
Originally recorded by Evie Sands in 1967, the song found success a year later through Merrilee Rush, whose version reached No. 4 on the charts.
The song’s most commercially successful version came in 1981, when Juice Newton’s rendition:
- Hit No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100
- Reached No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart
- Crossed into country music success
Over time, the track became a cultural staple, reappearing in films, television, and reinterpretations across genres—evidence of its enduring emotional resonance.
A Songwriter’s Songwriter
Taylor’s catalog extended far beyond his two signature hits.
He wrote songs recorded by a wide array of artists, including:
- Willie Nelson
- Frank Sinatra
- Dusty Springfield
- Janis Joplin (“Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)”)
His approach to songwriting was instinctive rather than calculated:
“I’m the kind of writer who doesn’t think too much about what he’s writing about.”
This philosophy contributed to the authenticity that defined his work.
A Career Marked by Reinvention
Taylor’s journey was far from linear.
Early Career
- Began recording in the late 1950s under different names
- Worked as a staff writer at April-Blackwood Music, CBS’s publishing arm
Peak Songwriting Years
- Produced hits across rock, pop, and country
- Became a sought-after writer in the 1960s and 1970s
A Surprising Detour
In 1981, Taylor stepped away from music entirely, turning to professional gambling, including horse racing and card counting.
This hiatus lasted 14 years, a rare move for an artist at his level.
Return and Reinvention
- Returned to music in 1995
- Founded Train Wreck Records in 2007
- Embraced Americana and roots music in later years
His later work demonstrated a quieter, more reflective style, contrasting with the raw immediacy of his early hits.
Recognition and Legacy
Taylor’s contributions were formally recognized when he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2016, an honor that cemented his status among the most influential songwriters of his generation.
He remained active well into his later years, releasing albums and performing, including projects like:
- “F**k All the Perfect People”
- “Whiskey Salesman”
Even in his final years, he continued to connect with audiences, describing music as a way to “let my spirit go someplace.”
Cultural Impact: Beyond the Charts
Chip Taylor’s work occupies a unique space in music history.
- “Wild Thing” helped define the sound of garage rock and early punk
- “Angel of the Morning” became a cross-genre standard
- His songs were covered by artists across rock, pop, country, and soul
More importantly, his music demonstrated that simplicity—when authentic—can achieve lasting cultural impact.
His ability to write songs that felt both immediate and timeless ensured that his influence extended far beyond his own recordings.
Conclusion: A Legacy Built on Simplicity and Feeling
Chip Taylor’s career offers a case study in enduring artistry.
He was not defined by constant visibility or mainstream celebrity, but by consistency, authenticity, and emotional clarity. His songs did not rely on complexity—they relied on feeling.
That approach proved remarkably durable.
From the explosive energy of “Wild Thing” to the quiet vulnerability of “Angel of the Morning,” Taylor created music that continues to resonate decades after its release.
His passing marks the end of a long and varied career, but his work remains embedded in the fabric of modern music.
