Songwriter behind huge hit Wild Thing and Angelina Jolie’s uncle passes away as tributes pour in
ANGELINA Jolie’s renowned songwriter uncle, Chip Taylor, who penned the 1966 song Wild Thing has died aged 86.
The tragic news was announced by friend and Grammy winning producer Billy Vera in a post to social media.
Vera wrote on Instagram: “‘RIP: Chip Taylor, my friend and songwriting mentor, last night in hospice.”
He added: “With great sadness I announce the passing of my old friend and songwriting mentor, Chip Taylor last night in hospice.
“He and I wrote some good ones: “Make Me Belong To You,” (Barbara Lewis), “Storybook Children” (BV & Judy Clay, Nancy Sinatra): “Papa Come Quick (Bonnie Raitt).”
It is understood that Chip passed away peacefully two days after his 86th birthday.
Chip was brother to Angelina Jolie‘s dad, Jon Voight, and uncle to the actress’s sibling, James Haven.
He was known for writing several well-loved songs including the 1960s Merrilee Rush song, Angel of the Morning.
Tributes have begun flooding in for the legendary songwriter.
Musician Allan Jones took to social media to pay tribute, writing: “RIP Chip Taylor, who’s just died at 86. Among many other songs, he wrote Wild Thing, Angel of the Morning, and Anyway That You Want Me.
“He played Twickenham Exchange a few years ago, accompanied by John Platiana, for many years Van Morrison’s guitarist.
“It was memorable not only for a lot of great songs, but Taylor’s vast repertoire of extraordinary and hilarious anecdotes, which took up a generous portion of an unforgettable set.
“The man could certainly tell a story as well as he could write a song.”
Born James Wesley Voight, Chip wrote many pop and rock songs, both alone and with other songwriters.
Some of his most notable works include He Sits at Your Table with Willie Nelson and I Can’t Let Go with Evie Sands, the Hollies and Linda Ronstadt.
In addition to being a songwriter Chip had a background as a performer, putting out a number of albums in the 1970s.
He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2016 for his decades of contributions to the music industry.
In 2007 he launched his own independent label, Train Wreck Records.
Chip famously had a passion for gambling, particularly blackjack, which he was reportedly very good at.
He was married to Joan Carole Frey from 1964, and the couple had both children and grandchildren together. Joan sadly died in June 2025.