07/20/2026
Rest in Peace Dear Jim!
Words are unable to express how moved and sad I am after losing one of my Dearest Friends, Brothers and deepest sources of inspiration.
I was just 19 the very first time I had the Privilege and Honor of meeting my Hero Jim Gilstrap in person.
This photo was taken at his home studio in Hollywood where we recorded some beautiful tracks together.
Since the very first moment Jim has been an incredible friend of mine, we collaborated together throughout the years on several projects, in addition of being the most inspiring and influential Maestro I’ve ever had in my lifetime.
Learning directly from his wonderful career, his genuine passion for music, having the privilege of playing together and learning every single detail about his outstanding experiences and unique insights from his phenomenal recording sessions with Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Rod Temperton, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, George Benson, Aretha Franklin, Stanley Clarke, Whitney Houston and Many Many more icons, has been a true privilege that I will forever treasure for the rest of my life.
I’ve always considered Jim a God, not only because his voice is pure Heaven, but Jim was magical like no other vocalist in the world, exactly like his heart, soul and wonderful spirit.
Without any doubt my brother Jim Gilstrap is the most famous and recorded singer in music history!
Jim’s voice is recognizable in every Masterpiece, in every hit song and track I hear every single day of my life from Michael Jackson’s Off The Wall passing through Body Heat by Quincy Jones, to George Benson’s Give Me The Night, the wonderful choirs in Sweet Love by Anita Baker to the opening of You are the sunshine of my life that sung with Stevie Wonder, one of the songs that He was always so happy to sing with me every time we were together.
I will forever miss You, Jim!
My warmest condolences to Gloria and the entire Gilstrap family,
Antonio Iorio
Posted by A I’s Staff.
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