Introduction
Chip Taylor (real name James Wesley Voight, most known for penning songs such as “Wild Thing”; also the brother of actor Jon Voight and uncle of actress Angelina Jolie) and session musician and producer Al Gorgoni were known as the pop musical duo Just Us, based in New York. They released a rare album under Kapp Records, I Can’t Grow Peaches on a Cherry Tree, whose title track became their only hit, in 1966.
Music career and only hit “I Can’t Grow Peaches on a Cherry Tree”
Just Us is a now-defunct oldies music duo formed during the 60s music era. It comprised of singer-songwriter Chip Taylor and guitarist/composer/arranger/producer Al Gorgoni who was also a session musician.
Chip Taylor — born James Wesley Voight — is the brother of Oscar-winning actor John Voight and uncle of Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie. Taylor is also known for his hit compositions “Angel of the Morning” and “Wild Thing.”
Taylor and Gorgoni formed together in 1966 and issued their only album I Can’t Grow Peaches on a Cherry Tree on Kapp Records, with the lead single was also titled “I Can’t Grow Peaches on a Cherry Tree.” The folk-pop single also had traces of easy listening elements with some strings.
“I Can’t Grow Peaches on a Cherry Tree” reached its peak position at #3 on the Billboard easy listening chart and #34 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966. Being their only hit, Just Us went on to become one-hit wonders.
Individual careers
As mentioned before, Taylor Taylor is also known for his hit compositions “Angel of the Morning” and “Wild Thing.” The most popular versions of “Angle of the Morning” are by Merrilee Rush (1968) and Juice Newton (1981). He also wrote or co-wrote songs performed by other artists.
Gorgoni went on to work with other artists including Bobby Darin, Joan Baez, Neil Diamond, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Bob Dylan.