James Wesley Voight, more famously known as Chip Taylor, the legendary and Grammy nominated singer-songwriter behind classic hits such as Wild Thing and Angel of the Morning, passed away on March 23 at the age of 86. His storied career and contributions to the music industry have left an indelible mark on many generations of musicians and fans.

Born on March 21, 1940, in Yonkers, N.Y., Wes was the third son of Elmer and Barbara Voight. Elmer (affectionately known as "Whitey" for his thick head of white hair) was a professional golfer and head golf pro at Sunningdale Country Club for over 40 years where he was well known for nurturing young caddies and players. Elmer and Barbara raised three boys who went on to great success in their respective careers – the oldest, Barry Voight, as a geologist and engineer known for his pioneering work in volcanology and landslide prediction; Jon Voight, as an Oscar-winning actor known for his roles in Midnight Cowboy and Coming Home; and youngest brother Wes, as a prolific singer-songwriter.

Wes initially followed in his father’s golfing footsteps, winning the Met Junior Golf Championship at 14, and, after graduating from Archbishop Stepinac High School, moving to South Carolina to play college golf. Within months he abandoned college, took on the stage name Chip Taylor, and returned to New York to pursue a career in music. In what would become a lifelong partnership with April Blackwood / EMI / Sony Music, Chip began writing songs that would become significant hits. Wild Thing, performed by The Troggs and famously covered by Jimi Hendrix, became an iconic anthem of the 1960s and Angel of the Morning, most notably performed by Merrilee Rush and Juice Newton, cemented his status as a unique songwriting talent. Known for songs that captured the emotion and spirit of the times, Chip created a catalog over a six decade career that included works for a diverse range of artists including Johnny Cash, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Willie Nelson, Tom Petty, Linda Ronstadt, Shaggy, and Tina Turner. His music has been showcased in movies, including Patrick Wang’s In the Family, and in television, including the Netflix hit Sex Education.
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In addition to his success as a songwriter, Chip was an exceptional performer. His own albums, including Last Chance and Yonkers, NY, which earned a Grammy nomination, displayed his honest and heartfelt lyrical ability and masterful storytelling. He has received widespread critical acclaim for his authentic voice and emotional depth, exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and social issues of the day.