Jim Gilstrap, Stevie Wonder and 'Good Times' Vocalist, Dies at 79

Jim Gilstrap, the tenor vocalist whose voice graced Stevie Wonder classics and the 'Good Times' television theme, has died at the age of 79. According to Billboard, he passed away of natural causes in Los Angeles on July 18.

His career spanned more than five decades, establishing him as one of the music industry's most versatile session singers. Gilstrap's opening lines are a defining feature of Wonder's Grammy-winning hit "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" from the Talking Book album. He also contributed to other seminal Wonder albums like Innervisions and Fulfillingness' First Finale during the 1970s.

What were his other notable credits?

Beyond his work with Wonder, Gilstrap lent his voice to a host of projects by a diverse array of stars. His credits include sessions for Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Bill Withers, Luther Vandross, Kenny Loggins, Dolly Parton, Stanley Clarke, and Boz Scaggs. In 1974, he was a co-lead vocalist on the iconic theme song for the CBS sitcom Good Times.

Did he have a solo career?

Yes. Both songs were featured on his debut studio album, Swing Your Daddy, released on Chelsea Records. He followed it with a second album, Love Talk, in 1976.

Born on Nov. 10, 1946 in Texas, Gilstrap is survived by his wife Gloria, children, and grandchildren. Memorial arrangements are pending.