Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Jim Gilstrap, Stevie Wonder Backing Singer, Dies at 79

7/20/2026

36 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Jim Gilstrap, tenor who sang on Stevie Wonder’s “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” died of natural causes in Los Angeles on July 18, 2026, at age 79.
He was born on November 10, 1946 in Texas and joined Wonderlove in the 1970s.
Gilstrap released two solo albums, Swing Your Daddy (1975) and Love Talk (1976).
He is survived by his wife Gloria, children and grandchildren, and was the last of ten siblings.

1 of 1

Story summary

Jim Gilstrap, tenor who sang on Stevie Wonder’s “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” died of natural causes in Los Angeles on July 18, 2026, at age 79.
He was born on November 10, 1946 in Texas and joined Wonderlove in the 1970s.
Gilstrap released two solo albums, Swing Your Daddy (1975) and Love Talk (1976).
He is survived by his wife Gloria, children and grandchildren, and was the last of ten siblings.