Angelina Jolie’s uncle Chip Taylor dead at 86

The Jolie family is mourning the loss of legendary songwriter Chip Taylor, the uncle of Angelina Jolie, who has died at the age of 86. A revered figure in American songwriting circles, Chip leaves behind a legacy that spans decades, genres and generations, with his work continuing to resonate long after its first release.

News of his passing was shared by his close friend and fellow musician Billy Vera, who paid a heartfelt tribute on social media. “RIP: Chip Taylor, my friend and songwriting mentor, last night in hospice,” he wrote. Angelina and her father Jon Voight are yet to publicly comment. 

Born James Wesley Voight in Yonkers, New York, Chip Taylor came from a family steeped in creativity. He was the brother of Jon and, by extension, the uncle of Angelina. Yet while his relatives found fame on screen, Chip carved out his own extraordinary path in music, quietly becoming one of the most influential songwriters of his era.

Chip’s most iconic achievement remains “Wild Thing,” the raw, infectious anthem made famous by The Troggs in 1966. 

With its unmistakable riff and rebellious energy, the song became a defining track of the decade and has since been covered by countless artists, cementing its place in rock history. Few could have predicted that such a simple, almost primal composition would go on to become one of the most recognisable songs of all time.

© AFP via Getty Images

But Chip’s talents extended far beyond a single hit. He was also the creative force behind “Angel of the Morning,” a song that has enjoyed enduring popularity through multiple interpretations, most notably by Merrilee Rush and later by Juice Newton.

Throughout his career, Taylor demonstrated a rare versatility, moving seamlessly between rock, country and pop. His songwriting was marked by a distinctive blend of honesty, melody and emotional clarity, qualities that earned him respect not just from audiences, but from fellow musicians and industry insiders alike.

© Gary Gershoff

In addition to his success as a songwriter, Chip also pursued a career as a recording artist, particularly later in life. 

His work in the Americana and country genres revealed a more introspective side, with albums that explored themes of love, loss and resilience. Collaborations with artists such as Carrie Rodriguez introduced his music to a new generation, further extending his influence well into the 21st century.