Published • loading... • Updated
Jim Gilstrap, Legendary Session Singer and "Good Times" Theme Vocalist, Dies at 79
The session singer helped define Stevie Wonder recordings and the "Good Times" theme, family said, and died of natural causes.
- James "Jim" Gilstrap, the voice behind the iconic Good Times theme and Stevie Wonder's "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," died Saturday, July 18, from natural causes.
- Born in Daingerfield, Texas, on November 10, 1946, Gilstrap served in the Vietnam War before joining Stevie Wonder's backing group Wonderlove during the early 1970s.
- Millions recognized Gilstrap's voice on the Good Times theme, which he co-led with Blinky Williams. In 1975, he charted with the hit single "Swing Your Daddy" on Chelsea Records.
- His family described Gilstrap as a gifted artist whose voice became part of "the soundtrack of American popular music," touching generations through hit records and studio work.
- Over a career spanning more than 50 years, Gilstrap collaborated with stars including Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin. He is survived by his wife, Gloria, and their children.
Insights by Ground AI
14 Articles
14 Articles
Jim Gilstrap, Legendary Session Singer and "Good Times" Theme Vocalist, Dies at 79
Legendary vocalist and acclaimed session singer Jim Gilstrap has died of natural causes on July 18, 2026, at the age of 79, his family announced. Over a career spanning more… The post Legendary Vocalist Jim Gilstrap, Voice of ‘Good Times’ Theme, Dies at 79 appeared first on .
Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left6Leaning Right2Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Left
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources lean Left
55% Left
L 55%
C 27%
R 18%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
