Chip Taylor, the acclaimed songwriter behind the 1966 hit “Wild Thing,” and uncle to Angelina Jolie, has passed away at the age of 86.
The sad news was announced by Taylor’s friend Billy Vera, who took to Instagram on Tuesday with the update on the late songwriter.
Grammy-winning vocalist Vera shared the somber news, writing, “RIP: Chip Taylor, my friend and songwriting mentor, last night in hospice.”
Born James Wesley Voight, Taylor was the brother of Jon Voight, Angelina Jolie’s father, and uncle to her brother, James Haven.
He penned a number of other notable songs, including the 1968 hit Merrilee Rush tune Angel of the Morning; the 1969 song Try (Just A Little Bit Harder) from Janis Joplin; and 1966’s I Can’t Let Go from The Hollies.
As of Tuesday afternoon, neither Jolie nor Voight had addressed Taylor’s passing on their social media platforms. The Daily Mail has reached out to their representatives for any comments on the loss.
Angelina Jolie’s uncle Chip Taylor – who wrote the 1966 song Wild Thing – has died at the age of 86. Pictured in LA in 2013
Jolie pictured in 2016 visiting a Syrian refugee camp in Azraq in northern Jordan
Beyond songwriting, Taylor had a notable career as a performer, releasing over 16 albums, including “Chip Taylor’s Last Chance” in 1973 and “This Side of the Big River” in 1975.
In recognition of his significant impact on the music industry, Taylor was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2016.
Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Frank Sinatra, Waylon Jennings and Dusty Springfield were among the legendary late artists who recorded songs written by Taylor, according to a bio from the Grammys museum.
Norwegian folk singer Paal Flaata in 2015 released an album of songs Taylor penned, titled Wait by the Fire. The album landed in Norway’s Top 10 and garnered Flaata a Grammy nod in the country.
Taylor showed an early interest in music, as he began listening to a country radio station when he was just eight-years-old, according to the Grammys bio.
Growing up in Yonkers, New York, Taylor got involved with his high school band Town & Country Brothers.
After trying his hand at professional golf, a wrist injury led Taylor to devote his full efforts to the music business, according to the Grammys bio.
Taylor, who also recorded under the name Wes Voight, inked a pact with Warner Bros. Records in 1961 as a recording artist, releasing the single Here I Am, which hit the top 100.
The late creative penned songs such as Angel of the Morning, Try (Just A Little Bit Harder) and I Can’t Let Go
Jolie was seen looking stylish at an event on February 9 in Paris
Taylor and brother Jon Voight at the Songwriters Hall Of Fame on June 9, 2016 in NYC
Upon news of his passing, mourners took to X to remember the late songwriter
Taylor had also heavily been involved in the business side of the music, having commandeered a number of record companies, including an independent label he got started in 2007 titled Train Wreck Records.
In addition to his musical efforts, he was also interested in gambling, with a passion for blackjack.
Upon news of his passing, a number of fans took to X to remember the late songwriter.
‘Rest in peace to Chip Taylor,’ said one user. ‘The man wrote Wild Thing – a song that literally defined a generation of rock and roll. His legacy is immortal.’
Another user added, ‘Oh no … Sending heartfelt condolences to Angelina Jolie and her family.
‘Chip Taylor was a legendary songwriter, Wild Thing touched so many lives, and his legacy will live on through his music. ‘
One user said that ‘Taylor leaves behind a lasting legacy through music, especially with Wild Thing, a song that became a timeless classic.
‘Beyond being Angelina Jolie’s uncle, his influence on rock and songwriting runs deep. His work will continue to live on through generations.’
