Chip Taylor, Legendary Songwriter Of 'Wild Thing' And 'Angel Of The Morning,' Dead At 86

The lifelong musician and younger brother of Oscar-winning actor Jon Voight wrote some of the most iconic songs of his generation.

Chip Taylor, the songwriter behind such classics as Juice Newton’s “Angel of the Morning” and “Wild Thing” by The Troggs, died Monday in hospice care. His friend, singer Billy Vera, shared the news of his passing Tuesday on Instagram. Taylor was 86 years old.

His children, Kelly and Kris, confirmed his death on Facebook. A cause was not given.

“Hi all - we are sad to tell you that Chip passed away last night,” the siblings wrote Tuesday. “His last days were peaceful. Chip loved the amazing blessing it was to connect with people through music and truly appreciated this community. He considered you all friends.”

They continued, “We will miss him greatly.”

Taylor wrote some of the most beloved songs of his generation, with the 1966 rock anthem “Wild Thing” becoming a No. 1 hit in the U.S. Jimi Hendrix himself covered it live during the Monterey Pop Festival later that year — before famously setting his guitar on fire.