Legendary American singer and session vocalist Jim Gilstrap has died at the age of 79, leaving behind a remarkable musical legacy that spans more than five decades. Gilstrap passed away on July 18, 2026, from natural causes, according to a statement released by his family.
Although his name was not widely known to the general public, his voice became part of the soundtrack of generations. Gilstrap was best known as the co-lead vocalist on the iconic theme song for the 1970s sitcom Good Times, a tune instantly recognizable to millions of television viewers.
Music fans also remember Gilstrap for singing the opening lines of Stevie Wonder’s Grammy-winning classic “You Are the Sunshine of My Life.” As a member of Wonder’s backing group, Wonderlove, he contributed to some of the most celebrated recordings of the era.
Beyond his signature performances, Gilstrap enjoyed a successful career as one of the music industry’s most respected session vocalists. His distinctive voice featured on recordings by artists including Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Bill Withers, Anita Baker, Luther Vandross, Gladys Knight, and many others.
As a solo artist, Gilstrap achieved international recognition with his 1975 hit “Swing Your Daddy,” which became a major success in the United Kingdom and earned him wider acclaim.
In announcing his passing, Gilstrap’s family described him as a humble, generous, and dedicated musician whose greatest contributions often came behind the scenes. They said that while many listeners may not have known his name, his voice became an enduring part of popular music history.