Tuesday, March 24, 2026

“Wild Thing Songwriter Chip Taylor Dies at 86”

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Renowned songwriter Chip Taylor, known for inspiring hit songs like Wild Thing, has passed away at the age of 86, as confirmed by his friends. Grammy-winning producer Billy Vera shared the sad news on social media following his final visit to Chip. Chip, who was also the uncle of actor James Haven, mentored Vera in songwriting.

In a heartfelt post, Vera expressed his sorrow over Chip’s passing, reminiscing about their collaborations on songs like “Make Me Belong To You” and “Storybook Children.” Musician Allan Jones also paid tribute to Chip, highlighting his famous compositions such as Wild Thing and Angel Of The Morning.

Chip’s demise occurred shortly after his 86th birthday, while he was receiving care at a hospice in New York. Fans and colleagues have shared their condolences, praising Chip’s talent as both a storyteller and a songwriter. His legacy in the music industry will be dearly missed.

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