Jim Gilstrap obit

TV’s “Good Times” theme singer, soul man Jim Gilstrap, dies

 

He was not on the list.

(July 19, 2026) He didn’t possess a household name, but his voice was a part of the lives of millions of people around the world. Today we mourn the passing of powerful singer Jim Gilstrap at age 79. His family announced his passing on social media this morning.

The Texas-born singer became one of the most dependable background vocalists of the 1970s, lending his smooth, expressive tenor to recordings by many of the era’s biggest stars. After serving in the military, Gilstrap began his professional career with the Doodletown Pipers and later joined Stevie Wonder’s celebrated backing group, Wonderlove. He appeared on the landmark albums Talking Book and Innervisions and memorably sang the opening lines of Wonder’s classic “You Are the Sunshine of My Life.” He also shared lead vocals on the familiar theme song from the television series Good Times.

Gilstrap briefly stepped into the solo spotlight in 1975 with the infectious doo wop-influenced “Swing Your Daddy.” Written and produced by Kenny Nolan, the song became a Top 10 R&B hit in the United States and reached the Top 5 in the United Kingdom. His debut album of the same name mixed polished soul, pop and the emerging sounds of disco, and was followed two years later by Love Talk.

Though he never again matched the commercial success of “Swing Your Daddy,” Gilstrap continued to shine behind the scenes, singing with artists ranging from Quincy Jones and George Duke to Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle and Bill Withers. He quietly became one of the voices of some of the greatest music releases of the past half century.

According to his family, Jim Gilstrap was the last surviving member of a family of ten siblings. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Gilstrap, his children, grandchildren, and extended family. May he rest in peace.