Jimmy Gilstrap, R&B singer who performed ‘Good Times’ theme song, dies at 79

Summary by The Atlanta Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk, WSB-TV (ABC) - News · July 21, 2026 · 3 min read

Jimmy Gilstrap, an R&B singer who performed the “ Good Times ” theme song for the 1970s sitcom, collaborated with Stevie Wonder and had a 1975 hit, “Swing Your Daddy,” died on July 18. He was 79. Read more trending news Gilstrap’s nephew and family spokesperson, Geoffrey Gilstrap, said the singer...

Why this matters in The Atlanta

The passing of Jimmy Gilstrap, a talented R&B singer with ties to Atlanta's music scene, leaves a void in the city's cultural landscape. As a session musician, Gilstrap worked with numerous iconic artists, including Aretha Franklin, Elton John, and Whitney Houston, who have all performed in Atlanta at some point in their careers. His collaboration with Stevie Wonder, a frequent visitor to Atlanta, is a testament to the city's significance in the music industry. Gilstrap's legacy serves as a reminder of Atlanta's rich musical heritage, which continues to inspire new generations of artists. The city's music community will likely come together to celebrate Gilstrap's life and contributions to the industry, highlighting the impact he had on the local music scene. His family's statement, noting that he never forgot his roots, is a poignant reminder of the importance of staying connected to one's community, a value that Atlantans hold dear.

About this story

Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News. The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit WSB-TV (ABC) - News. Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: local · Published: July 21, 2026 · Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News · Reading time: 3 min

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Summary created by	The Atlanta Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed
Original reporting	Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk, WSB-TV (ABC) - News
Original story	Read at the source
Source published	Jul 21, 2026
Indexed here	Jul 21, 2026
AI assistance	Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text
Prepublication human review	No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples

Jimmy Gilstrap, R&B singer who performed ‘Good Times’ theme song, dies at 79

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