Wild Thing songwriter, Chip Taylor, dies at 89

Acclaimed songwriter Chip Taylor has passed away at the age of 89, just two days after celebrating his birthday.

The music star — whose work includes the era-defining hit Wild Thing, made famous by The Troggs — died on Monday (23.03.26).

The news was shared by his longtime friend Billy Vera, who posted a tribute on Instagram alongside a photo of the pair on the red carpet. He described Chip as both a close friend and a mentor, confirming that he died while receiving hospice care.

He captioned the post: “RIP: Chip Taylor, my friend and songwriting mentor, last night in hospice.”

Reports from TMZ state that no cause of death has been disclosed.

Chip’s songwriting career stretched across decades and genres. Among his best-known compositions is Angel of the Morning, first recorded by Evie Sands before becoming a major hit for Juice Newton in the 1980s and later inspiring Shaggy’s 2000 chart-topper Angel. His catalogue also includes tracks such as Willie Nelson’s He Sits at Your Table, I Can’t Let Go — recorded by artists including Evie Sands, the Hollies and Linda Ronstadt — and Johnny Tillotson’s Worry.

Alongside writing for others, Chip released his own material beginning with his 1962 debut Here I Am. He later founded Train Wreck Records, a label that championed folk, country and Americana artists.

Born James Wesley Voight, Chip came from a well-known family: he was the younger brother of actor Jon Voight and uncle to Angelina Jolie and James Haven.

He spent his later years living quietly in New York City with his wife Joan Carole Frey, who died in 2025. Chip is survived by his children, James and Kelly, and three grandchildren — Riley, Samantha and Kate.