Angelina Jolie's Uncle, 'Wild Thing' Songwriter Chip Taylor, Dies at 86
Renowned songwriter Chip Taylor, known for creating hits like "Wild Thing," passed away at 86 in hospice care. His friend Billy Vera shared the news and paid tribute to Taylor's influence and mentorship.
Life and Legacy
Born James Wesley Voight in Yonkers, New York, Chip Taylor was the brother of actor Jon Voight and uncle of Angelina Jolie. Despite his famous family, he built his own notable career in music, starting with the success of "Wild Thing" in 1966, which climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
A Storied Career
Taylor quickly composed "Wild Thing" after a call from The Troggs' producer seeking new material. He described the inspiration behind the song as a quintessential New York moment.
Beyond this hit, Taylor wrote other iconic songs like “Angel of the Morning” and collaborated with artists such as Willie Nelson and Janis Joplin. His work has left a lasting impact on the music world.
Tributes and Achievements
Musician Allan Jones remembered Taylor for both his storytelling ability and songwriting talent. Taylor's catalog includes years of memorable tracks, and he released his own albums in addition to founding Train Wreck Records in 2007.
His album “Yonkers NY” was highly praised as an introspective piece reflecting on his childhood. In 2016, Taylor was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to music.
Taylor is survived by his children and grandchildren. His wife, Joan Carole Frey, passed away in June 2025.
