Jimmy Capps

Jimmy Capps (May 25, 1939 – June 2020) was an American country guitarist who played with various acts, including a tenure of over 50 years in the Opry Band, the house band of the Grand Ole Opry.

Biography Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and raised in nearby Benson, he began playing guitar at age twelve after receiving his first instrument and quickly developed an interest in country music, listening to the Grand Ole Opry on the radio. He remained with the Louvin Brothers until 1962.

In 1959, Capps became an official member of the Grand Ole Opry, and in 1967 he joined the Opry house band, where he thereafter played lead guitar weekly for more than 50 years. At the height of his career, he participated in more than 500 recording sessions per year.

Recognition He was part of The Nashville A-Team, and in 2012, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recognized him as a "Nashville Cat", a designation for top session musicians. In 2024, a segment of Interstate 40 was named after him.

Capps died in Nashville at the age of 81.