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Courtesy Michele Capps
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 17, 2025) – On Sunday, June 1, the country music community came together in a moving, star-studded tribute to honor the legacy of legendary guitarist and longtime Grand Ole Opry band member Jimmy Capps, unveiling a permanent memorial at Spring Hill Cemetery on the fifth anniversary of his passing.
The public ceremony, held under sunny skies at the historic Nashville cemetery, drew a crowd of friends, family, fans, and fellow musicians—all united in their love for the man affectionately known as “The Man in Back.” Capps, a beloved fixture of the Grand Ole Opry band for six decades and a defining figure of the Nashville Sound, was remembered not only for his iconic guitar work on hits by George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Alan Jackson and countless others, but for his kindness, humility, and lifelong dedication to music.
The event featured heartfelt remarks and memorable musical tributes. Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy performed, while Opry star Mark Willsdelivered touching words. Family harmony group Rockland Road, led by Jamie Allen (daughter of Oak Ridge Boy Duane Allen), sang beautifully before being joined in a spontaneous and joyful performance of “Elvira” by attendees.
Dave Pomeroy, President of the Nashville Musicians Union, spoke on behalf of the city’s music community, while Mona Brown, beloved as Nadine from Larry’s Country Diner, shared her own personal reflections. A powerful and emotional prayer of dedication was led by Reverend DeeJay Shoulders, the longtime pastor of Jimmy and his wife Michele, offering a spiritual moment of closure and celebration.
“As the epitaph on his mausoleum panel says, ‘So humble, never seeking the spotlight, yet your beautiful music shines in our hearts forever.’ Jimmy felt the music in his heart and wanted to share it with others. And I humbly just want to share him—his heart and his music, his gratefulness and humbleness—with others. I am thankful and grateful that he was in my life, I love and miss him so much” said his wife Michele Voan Capps.
She added, “Jimmy would have never done this for himself. He knew where his gift came from—God. That’s why he never bragged, never exalted himself, and never thought he was better than anyone else. This is the pat on the back he would never have given himself.”
The afternoon also saw appearances by Grand Ole Opry Manager Dan Rogers, Duane Allen, Ranger Doug and Too Slim from Riders in the Sky, Gus Arrendale of Springer Mountain Farms Chicken, and Hazel Daniels, widow of Charlie Daniels. The Grand Ole Opry was well represented with Nicole Judd, Haley Hall, and Brooke Stuart in attendance, along with a host of fellow musicians, industry figures, and devoted fans.
The beautifully crafted monument now sits among other musical greats at Spring Hill Cemetery (5110 Gallatin Pike S.), a permanent reminder of the man whose guitar gently guided generations of country music classics.
Jimmy’s final resting place is a deeply personal and beautifully crafted granite mausoleum, featuring a specially designed panel adorned with images and heartfelt quotes that reflect his life and legacy. Leading up to it is a one-of-a-kind walkway — a concrete guitar nearly 30 feet long, modeled after Jimmy’s beloved 1961 Martin D-28, which is also on display at the Musicians Hall of Fame. The tuning keys, made of stainless steel, were lovingly crafted by Ben Van Dyke, son of country legend Leroy Van Dyke.
Each evening at dusk, soft lighting illuminates the guitar walkway and mausoleum, casting a peaceful glow over the space. One of the most special elements of the memorial is the music. As you step onto the walkway, a custom audio system — designed by Larry Mignogna — begins to play Jimmy performing “The Lord’s Prayer”, followed by “In My Dreams,” a deeply meaningful song to him and Michele. The experience of walking the length of the guitar, accompanied by his music, is a moving and unforgettable tribute to Jimmy’s life.
During the memorial, the walkway was initially covered and roped off. As a prayer was said, the covering was gently rolled back. Everyone gathered in the street and, following Michele up the walkway, was met with the sound of Jimmy’s guitar. As “The Lord’s Prayer” began to play, the crowd spontaneously joined in, singing along with his guitar. It was a profoundly beautiful moment — a true celebration of Jimmy’s spirit, music, and the deep connection he shared with everyone who loved him. The free public event was not only a celebration of Jimmy Capps’ unmatched contributions to music, but also a reminder of the community and camaraderie that define the heart of Nashville.
About Jimmy Capps
Jimmy Capps was a legendary Nashville session guitarist and longtime player of the Grand Ole Opry, revered for his smooth style, impeccable timing, and unmatched versatility. Born on May 25, 1939, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Capps picked up the guitar at an early age and quickly developed a keen ear and intuitive sense of musicality that would define his career. He rose to prominence in the 1960s, becoming a cornerstone of the Nashville sound and contributing to some of the most iconic recordings in country music history, including hits by George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Kenny Rogers, and Barbara Mandrell. Nicknamed “The Man in Back” for his signature position just behind the spotlight, Capps brought a subtle brilliance to every performance—never flashy, always perfect. His work as a member of the Opry’s house band for more than six decades made him a fixture of country music’s most hallowed stage, and his presence on shows like Larry’s Country Diner introduced him to new generations of fans. In addition to his thousands of recording credits, Capps was a trusted musical director, arranger, and mentor whose quiet professionalism set a standard in the industry. Inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, he remained deeply respected not only for his musicianship but also for his humility, warmth, and generosity. Jimmy Capps passed away in 2020, leaving behind a profound legacy that continues to shape the sound of country music
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