NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Acclaimed Guitarist Jimmy Capps, loved by everyone who knew him has passed away at the age of 81 due to health complications. Capps was lead guitar in the house band at the Grand Ole Opry and a member of the Musicians Hall of Fame who played on such timeless country songs as Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler,” George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” and George Strait’s “Amarillo by Morning.” Artists and industry friends shared memories and statements upon learning of his passing.
“The loss of Jimmy Capps will be felt on so many levels… certainly at the Opry, on so many recording sessions, Larry’s Country Diner, Country Family Reunion, the Musician’s Hall of Fame…and most of all by his family and many, many friends and fans. He will be remembered not only as a great musician, but as one of the most wonderful men you could ever know. My heart goes out to my friend Michele, with the assurance I will be there for her. I feel it is ironic and yet appropriate that the CMA hashtag today said #theshowmustbepaused, yes Jimmy it must.” –Jeannie Seely
“He was the country guitar greatest of all time. He was one of the most humble, grateful, and honest people I’ve ever met. I knew he was a true friend. All my memories of Jimmy are fond. One that stands out was getting to sit and listen to Jimmy Capps and Ashley Campbell. Jimmy on guitar and Ashley on banjo trading licks and stories for an hour backstage on the Larry’s Country Diner cruise ship. Do wish so much it had been recorded!” –Gus Arrendale / Springer Mountain Farms
“What a great loss of one of our finest gentlemen in country music and one of our best and most consistent musicians . It will be hard to see the Grand Ole Opry stage without Jimmy Capps on it! He was a dear friend and will be dearly missed. Thank the Lord we have his music on so many hit recordings and Opry shows. Our prayers are with his living wife, Michelle and his whole family!” –Connie Smith
“My love and prayers go out to his wife, Michelle, and all his family and friends, the Grand Ole Opry folks and more. Jimmy was much loved by all and will be missed.” –David Ball
“Along with legions of other friends and fans.. my heart breaks at the loss of our ‘Sheriff’.. Jimmy Capps. He shared his talents and heart for decades.The reservoir of music that he leaves us is a blessing. But, the MAN will be greatly missed. My prayers are with Michele and with Mark and the entire Capps family. The Country Music Family has lost a great brother. RIP Jimmy Capps.” –Linda Davis
“Like so many, my heart is hurting over the loss of Jimmy Capps. One of the greatest musicians ever who started out playing with the Louvin Brothers and remained current and successfully reinvented himself a few times. But, the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Jimmy is a humble, kind and caring soul. I also think of his soul mate, Michele. They were quite a team and were the definition of true Love.”–Bobby Tomberlin
“I always felt extremely lucky, and a bit awed, to be around Jimmy – he was the ultimate guitar player – Mr. Smooth! More importantly, he was a real gentleman – one of the nicest, most humble musicians I’ve ever met. And, he and Michelle obviously had a great, loving relationship; it was apparent from being around them. RIP, Jimmy! Love to Michelle, Mark, and his family. Another great one gone.” –Marlon Hargis / Exile
“Oh boy. This is a hard one to hear. The Country Music world knows how gifted Jimmy was, but those of us who knew his warmth and generosity were the true lucky ones. Condolences to Michelle. RIP.” –JP Pennington / Exile
“Waking up to this sad news has hit very hard! Meeting Jimmy Capps on the Opry was an honor and a thrill and then actually getting to know him and experience his warmth, humor and amazing talent was an absolute joy! There are certain individuals who are, or become, legends and in this business he was all that and more. We are heartbroken at his passing and extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Michele, his son Mark, family and all who loved him. The Heavenly choir has gained a CPA, (certified guitar picker!) RIP Jimmy.” –Sonny LeMaire / Exile
“Jimmy was a big man in more ways than stature alone. He left us at a time when the world needs more like him. –Steve Goetzman / Exile
When we found out the world lost another musical legend and friend in Jimmy Capps our hearts were broken. What an honor it was for us to get to play with and know Jimmy and his wife Michele over the last few years. Y’all know him not only as Jimmy Capps…but also the Sheriff on Larry’s Country Diner. The mark he left on our lives and in the music industry will always be cherished. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Michele, their family and the collective Grand Ole Opry family during this difficult time.” –Darin and Brooke Aldridge
“It goes without saying, Jimmy Capps was one of the musical greats…a legend. But far more importantly, Jimmy was one of the finest people I have ever had the privilege to know. Humble, Kind, Gracious and Warm. Just being around him made you want to be a better person. His wife Michelle not only shares a birthday with Jimmy, but she also shares the same qualities that made all who knew, loved and admired her husband. My deepest condolences go out to her, Mark and all the Capps family. Stage left, at the Opry, will be forever empty.” –Dallas Wayne / SiriusXM
“I am convinced that Jimmy was the most-loved person in Nashville. EVERY artist loved him so much. While his book “The Man in Back” was a great tribute to him, I thought he deserved even more. So I produced a TV documentary on his life. When he saw it, he cried and cried. He said, “It’s kind of like going to your own funeral.” I replied, “I wanted to bring your flowers while you were still here. I wanted you to see how much you mean to everyone.” When it comes to the greatest men who ever walked the earth…I’d put Jimmy Capps in the top two, just behind another JC, Jesus Christ.” –Scot England / Author “The Man In Back”