In a heartfelt tribute to his musical legacy, legendary guitarist Jimmy Capps, who passed away on June 2, 2020, revealed before his death the five Grand Ole Opry artists he admired most. For nearly six decades, his guitar was the quiet heartbeat behind country music legends, though he remained in the shadows, far from the spotlight.
Capps, dubbed the master of smooth transitions, backed icons like Dolly Parton, George Jones, Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, and Charlie Daniels. Each name represents not only exceptional talent but also a deep connection to the soul of the Opry and to Capps’ own life.
Parton, with her charisma and talent, embodied the Opry’s spirit for Capps. Jones, with his raw, soulful voice, represented the unfiltered truth of country. Jackson, a bridge between tradition and modernity, proved the genre’s legacy endures. Gill, with his humility and kindness, showed that greatness doesn’t always need to shine. And Daniels, with his explosive energy, reminded everyone that music is a fire that must be fueled.
Capps’ passing left a void in the Opry, an echo of his guitar still resonating in every performance. His legacy lives not only in the notes he played but in the names he spoke with love. In his final act, Capps reminded us that country music is more than a show; it’s a family, and that family never fades.
The Grand Ole Opry continues to shine, but in its shadows, Jimmy Capps’ spirit endures, a reminder that behind every great performance is a heart beating for the music.
