Introduction
When stepping through the gates of Spring Hill Funeral Home in Nashville, visitors are immediately greeted by an antique hearse displayed at the entrance. Once used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it stands as a reminder of the long history of this sacred resting place. But before entering the cemetery, many pause at the “memory wall” – a collection of album covers honoring singers, songwriters, and musicians who now rest here. Next to an old record player, a small sign reads: “These talented artists brought light to our lives. That light will forever be remembered at Spring Hill.”
Among the many faces displayed on the wall is one remembered by a simple phrase: “The man in the back” – Jimmy Capps. His name rarely appeared on charts, yet his guitar work touched millions. Born in 1939 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Jimmy first picked up the guitar at the age of 12 and never let go. He went on to become part of the legendary “Nashville A-Team” – a group of elite session musicians whose sound shaped countless country hits.
Walking through the cemetery, one comes across symbolic statues: a cowboy hat resting beside a pair of boots, and on the other side, a guitar. Together, they seem to tell the story of a humble man who left behind a towering musical legacy. Known for his flawless ability to switch seamlessly between acoustic and electric guitar, Jimmy helped craft the perfect backdrop for timeless classics.
For 61 years, he played in the Grand Ole Opry’s house band, while also contributing to some of the most iconic songs ever recorded: Tammy Wynette’s Stand By Your Man, Kenny Rogers’ The Gambler, George Jones’ He Stopped Loving Her Today, and Ronnie Milsap’s Smoky Mountain Rain. The list of stars he worked with reads like a history of country music itself—George Strait, Reba McEntire, The Statler Brothers, Alan Jackson, Waylon Jennings, John Denver, and so many more.
At his grave, beneath his name and dates, a single inscription leaves a lasting impression: “So humble, never seeking the spotlight, yet your beautiful music shines in our hearts forever.” A farewell both simple and eternal, dedicated to “the man in the back” – Jimmy Capps.