Chip Taylor, the legendary songwriter behind the iconic rock anthem ‘Wild Thing’ and the uncle of Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie, has died at the age of 86, leaving behind a musical legacy that spans generations. Taylor, who was born James Wesley Voight, came from a family steeped in artistic achievement—he was the brother of actor Jon Voight and thus the uncle of Jolie, a connection that often fascinated fans who marveled at the family’s combined cultural footprint. But Taylor’s own contributions to music were monumental: beyond ‘Wild Thing,’ he penned classics like ‘Angel of the Morning’ and ‘Try (Just a Little Bit Harder),’ songs that became defining tracks of the 1960s and beyond. Friends and family describe Taylor as a “gentle soul” who never sought the spotlight despite his enormous influence. “He was happiest with a guitar in his hands, writing in a small room,” a family friend recalled. “He didn’t care about fame. He cared about the song.” Angelina Jolie has not yet publicly commented on her uncle’s passing, but sources close to the actress say she is “deeply saddened” and remembering him as a “quiet, brilliant presence” in her life. As tributes pour in from musicians and fans alike, Chip Taylor’s legacy as one of America’s greatest songwriters is secure—even as the family he helped shape continues to mourn the loss of a man who never needed the spotlight to shine.