Jim Gilstrap, Renowned Singer and Stevie Wonder Collaborator, Dies at 79
WHO:
TMZ - Jim Gilstrap, a renowned singer and collaborator with Stevie Wonder, has died.
The Hollywood Reporter - James “Jim” Gilstrap was 79 years old at the time of his death.
The Hollywood Reporter - Geoffrey “Geoff Gil” Gilstrap is Jim Gilstrap's nephew and family spokesperson.
The Hollywood Reporter - Gilstrap is survived by his wife, Gloria, and his children.
WHAT:
The Hollywood Reporter - Gilstrap was a featured vocalist with Stevie Wonder’s Wonderlove and contributed to many of the singer’s recordings.
The Hollywood Reporter - Gilstrap sang the first two lines of Wonder’s “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” before backup singers joined in.
The Hollywood Reporter - The song "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" won the Grammy Award for best male pop vocal performance.
The Hollywood Reporter - In 1975, Gilstrap signed a recording contract with Chelsea Records.
The Hollywood Reporter - Gilstrap collaborated with artists including Anita Baker, Whitney Houston, James Ingram, George Benson, Bill Withers, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, and Kenny Loggins.
The Hollywood Reporter - Gilstrap sang the theme song for Good Times, which ran from 1974-79, with Blinky Williams.
The Hollywood Reporter - The theme song for Good Times was composed by Dave Grusin with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman.
The Hollywood Reporter - Gilstrap's single "Swing Your Daddy" peaked at No. 64 in Australia.
The Hollywood Reporter - Gilstrap was the last surviving member of a family of 10 siblings.
TMZ - Gilstrap passed away from natural causes.
The Hollywood Reporter - He was a featured vocalist on Stevie Wonder's "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" and sang the theme song for the television show Good Times.
The Hollywood Reporter - Gilstrap's single "Swing Your Daddy" reached No. 4 on the U.K. Singles Chart and No. 10 on the U.S. Billboard Black Singles chart.
The Hollywood Reporter - He released an album titled Love Talk in 1976.
WHERE:
TMZ - Gilstrap died in Los Angeles.
WHEN:
The Hollywood Reporter - Gilstrap was born on Nov. 10, 1946.
WHY:
The Hollywood Reporter - His death was attributed to natural causes.
HOW:
The Hollywood Reporter - Gilstrap was recognized as one of the most respected session vocalists of his generation, known for his powerful and soulful voice.
The Hollywood Reporter - Gilstrap collaborated with numerous artists throughout his career, including Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, and Dolly Parton.
(UPDATED July 20, 2026 16:23 UTC)
Gilstrap, a talented vocalist known for his work with Stevie Wonder's Wonderlove, contributed to many of Wonder's recordings, including the iconic song "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," where he sang the opening lines before backup singers joined in. This beloved track won the Grammy Award for best male pop vocal performance and showcased Gilstrap's impressive vocal abilities. Throughout his career, he collaborated with a host of renowned artists, including Anita Baker, Whitney Houston, and Luther Vandross, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.
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(UPDATED July 20, 2026 15:35 UTC)
Gilstrap, celebrated for his powerful and soulful voice, was recognized as one of the most respected session vocalists of his generation and famously sang the theme song for the beloved show Good Times, which aired from 1974 to 1979. The iconic theme was composed by Dave Grusin, with lyrics crafted by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, showcasing the talent behind the series. In addition to his work on Good Times, Gilstrap's single "Swing Your Daddy" reached No. 64 in Australia, and he was the last surviving member of a family of ten siblings.
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(UPDATED July 20, 2026 13:34 UTC)
Jim Gilstrap, a celebrated singer known for his collaborations with Stevie Wonder, has passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 79 from natural causes. He was a featured vocalist on Wonder's hit "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" and also sang the theme song for the beloved television show Good Times, while his single "Swing Your Daddy" made it to No. 4 on the U.K. Singles Chart and No. 10 on the U.S. Billboard Black Singles chart. Gilstrap is survived by his wife, Gloria, his children, and his nephew Geoffrey “Geoff Gil” Gilstrap, who is serving as the family spokesperson.