Jim Gilstrap Dies at 79 Linked to Stevie Wonder

James “Jim” Gilstrap, a master vocalist whose voice graced countless iconic recordings and television themes, has passed away at the age of 79. He died of natural causes in Los Angeles on July 18.

For more than five decades, Gilstrap established himself as one of the music industry’s most versatile and sought-after session vocalists. His career is a tapestry woven with legendary collaborations, allowing him to contribute his distinguished tenor to some of the most celebrated figures in music history.

His musical journey began in the early 1970s when he became a featured vocalist with Stevie Wonder and the Wonderlove vocal group. Gilstrap’s talent shone brightly when he sang the opening lines on the Grammy Award-winning “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” from the Talking Book album, cementing his place in classic music history.

Beyond his work with Stevie Wonder, Gilstrap contributed to seminal albums including Innervisions and Fulfillingness’ First Finale, demonstrating his deep influence on the sound of those eras.

As a solo artist, Gilstrap also achieved success in the R&B genre. In 1975, he released his debut studio album, Swing Your Daddy, which included charting singles like “Swing Your Daddy” and “I’m on Fire.” He followed this up with a second album, Love Talk.

Gilstrap’s versatility extended across genres and star power. His vocal contributions spanned projects involving giants like Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Bill Withers, Luther Vandross, Kenny Loggins, Dolly Parton, Boz Scaggs, and Stanley Clarke. He was a true musical bridge, lending his virtuoso tenor to an incredible array of artistic endeavors.

Gilstrap leaves behind a rich legacy not only in his recordings but also in the enduring influence of his voice on the music world. He is survived by his wife Gloria, along with his children and grandchildren.