Jim Gilstrap’s voice opened one of the greatest soul songs ever recorded—Stevie Wonder’s“You Are the Sunshine of My Life.”That warm, perfectly pitched tenor that begins the Grammy-winning track? That’s Gilstrap. The legendary session vocalist, who passed away on July 18, 2026, at age 79, spent more than five decades as one of the music industry’s most sought-after and respected backing vocalists. From his work on Stevie Wonder’s early 1970s masterpieces to sessions with Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Luther Vandross, Gilstrap’s fingerprints are on the soundtrack of generations.
What makes Gilstrap’s story even more compelling is that he wasn’t only a session musician. In 1975, he stepped into the spotlight as a solo artist and delivered genuine hits.“Swing Your Daddy”charted at number 10 in the U.S. and number 4 in the UK, proving he had the chops to carry a record on his own. That same year,“I’m on Fire”reached the charts, solidifying his talent beyond the booth. For those who grew up in the’70s, Gilstrap’s voice was also part of the beloved“Good Times”television theme song, which he co-led with another vocalist.
Born in Texas in 1946, Gilstrap built a career that spanned over 50 years, collaborating with some of the biggest names in music history. His passing represents a significant loss for the soul and R&B community and serves as a reminder of how crucial session musicians and vocalists are to the records we treasure. Today is the perfect day to revisit those classic albums and really listen for Gilstrap’s voice. Which Stevie Wonder album is your favorite, and have you ever noticed Gilstrap’s contributions before?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
