Opry Veteran and Legendary Session Guitarist Jimmy Capps Passes Away at 81

Musicians Hall of Fame member and Grand Ole Opry veteran Jimmy Capps has passed away at age 81 due to health complications. After getting his start with The Louvin Brothers, Jimmy went on to become one of the most sought after session players in Nashville. Some of the incredible recordings you can hear Capps on are The Oak Ridge Boys’ “Elvira,” “Sail Away,” Tammy Wynette's "Stand By Your Man," Barbara Mandrell’s “Sleeping Single In A Double Bed,” “I was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool,” George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” Ronnie Milsap’s “Smokey Mountain Rain,” and “Legend In My Time,” as well as other artists such as Janie Fricke, Lacy J. Dalton, Andy Williams, Ray Charles, Mac Davis, Moe Bandy, Joe Stampley, Johnny Paycheck, John Conlee and countless more. As a staff member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1967, Capps has remained a solid foundation in Music City and can be seen on Country’s Family Reunion and as “Sheriff” Jimmy Capps on Larry’s Country Diner. Jimmy was not only a musical prodigy, but a friend to many in the music and entertainment industry.

Fellow artists mourn the loss of their friend and share fond memories that have left them forever inspired by the timeless, Jimmy Capps.

“I’m deeply saddened by the news of the passing of my dear friend, Jimmy Capps. Jimmy was maybe the kindest and most considerate person I knew in the music business. A pro’s pro, he played an important role in many of my recordings and every Opry performance we ever played together. Rozene and I send our sympathy and heartfelt prayers to Michele and all of Jimmy’s family.” - Charley Pride

“The NEWS this morning about the passing of our dear friend Jimmy Capps has been devastating. In a time of darkness Jimmy was always a light. Like everyone else in Nashville Jimmy was a part of our music and our career and our lives!!! This will take a while to process... the Oak Ridge Boys will sure miss The Man In Back ... Until the DAY” - Joe Bonsall / Oak Ridge Boys

“I have been singing professionally since I graduated from the university over 55 years ago. Jimmy Capps has been a part of my career from the beginning with The Oak Ridge Boys, starting with our gospel days and all the way through to some of our biggest hits. When you hear the guitar intro to “You're The One In A Million,” that is Jimmy Capps playing. Recently, I went to the Musicians Hall of Fame and saw a display honoring Jimmy Capps. In that display was the guitar that Jimmy played on “Elvira.” My wife, Norah Lee, has sung on the Grand Ole Opry for over 40 years. For most of those years, especially when the Opry was at the Ryman, Norah Lee has ridden with Jimmy and Michelle Capps to work. This is another gut punch for me personally, losing one of my very best friends. I ask that you remember Michelle and Jimmy's sons in your prayers. Today, there is a hole in the music industry, but Jimmy Capps’ contributions will stand the test of time. Rest in peace, Jimmy, in the arms of Jesus.” - Duane Allen / The Oak Ridge Boys

“When I first came to Nashville Jimmy Capps was already a fixture as one of the great guitar players. I worked with Jimmy many times and I got to know him and his wonderful wife Michele even better these last several years at the Opry. Jimmy was always ready with a smile, a kind word and a great guitar lick. I can’t imagine the Opry without Jimmy Capps. These crazy times are much sadder this morning.” - Crystal Gayle

“I am shocked and very saddened to hear that Jimmy Capps has passed away. He was on 90% of the songs that I’ve recorded and he can never be replaced. He was always one of the most authentic and genuine guys I’ve ever known and has accomplished so much in life. We are all so much better for knowing him. One thing that people will miss is looking over their shoulder and seeing Jimmy there. We will all miss you, Jimmy. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Michele.” - B.J. Thomas

“I will cherish the memories of working so many shows and concerts with Jimmy Capps. I will miss his smiling face. Blessings and prayers to his family.” - Janie Fricke

“I have been blessed to work with Jimmy down through the years. He was a universally loved, Godly man, a double-super cool Nashville cat and you couldn’t ask for a better friend. Sheila and I pray for Michelle and the rest of his family at this time. Rest in peace, pal.” – T. Graham Brown

“Sending our love and prayers to Michele Capps. Just heard of the passing of Nashville musician Jimmy Capps. His musicianship was heard at the Grand Ole Opry, Country’s Family Reunion, and as The Sheriff on Larry’s Country Diner. I’ve sailed many music cruises with Jimmy, and I know he was so honored to be inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. He was always humble and kind, and will be missed by many. Rest In Sweet Peace Jimmy Capps.” - Rhonda Vincent

“I am heartbroken over the loss of our great friend Jimmy Capps. He was and always will be a country music icon. It was an honor and privilege to work with him and call him my friend. He was such an amazingly gifted musician, sweet spirit, tender-hearted and beautiful soul! I know Jesus has welcomed Jimmy with open arms into his Heavenly home. My prayers are with Michele & the family. Rest In Peace Jimmy. We love you.” – Deborah Allen

“What a way to wake up this morning. I just got the message that Jimmy Capps passed away last night. I lost my sister last week and this feels like I lost another family member now. I can’t believe he’s gone. Sending prayers for Michele and their family.” - Johnny Lee

“Jimmy, was so incredibly talented; his playing came from endless experiences - he always knew “what to play” and always elevated the music - just having him in the room made the music sound better. A sweet, sensitive soul who will be greatly missed.” - Michael Bonagura / Baillie & The Boys

“I loved Jimmy Capps. He was one of my mentors. I played alongside him in the studio and at the Grand Ole Opry for over four decades. Even now, when I close my eyes, I can see him walking through the Opry artist entrance, guitar case in hand. He walked slowly--with purpose. He was there to put on the best show he could. He loved the music. It was his life. He was the best rhythm guitar player I have EVER worked with. He was a perfectionist. As good as he was, he continued to practice and hone. That's what made him so damn good. You could always count on him to know what to play and where to play it. We shared stories and secrets. There were times he treated me like a brother. There were times he treated me like a son. But every time we were together, he treated me like a friend. R.I.P, James D. Thank you for being such a great teacher. I learned from the best--Timbo.” - Tim Atwood

"I'll always cherish the memories of any time that I was blessed to share the stage with Jimmy Capps. He is the epitome of a classic country music guitarist and one of the nicest people I ever met. RIP Jimmy Capps - we all love you dearly!" - Shane Owens

“My thoughts are with the family of Opry Legend/guitarist Mr Jimmy Capps. What an incredible legacy he will leave behind. One of Nashville’s most well respected guitarists. I had the honor of meeting him backstage at the Opry last year. He was soft-spoken and so humble. I will never forget asking him “How many times have you played the Opry in your career?” He looked at me and grinned and said “way too many to count ha ha!” - Treasured memory of Jimmy. God bless him.” - J.D. Shelburne

Longtime Grand Ole Opry Member Holly Dunn Passes Away At 59

2016 claimed yet another country music star as it was announced late last night that singer and former Grand Ole Opry member Holly Dunn passed away at the age of 59 from ovarian cancer.

Born in San Antonio in 1957, Holly Dunn’s first taste of country music success was as a songwriter and a co-write called "Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind" which was recorded by Cristy Lane. At the time, she hadn’t even graduated from college. But that early success led Dunn to head to Nashville after she finished college. Dunn worked as a demo singer for several labels before joining her brother as a staff songwriter at CBS. She continued a strong songwriter’s initiative while pursuing her own record deal including penning Louise Mandrell’s “I’m Not Through Loving You Yet” top ten hit.

In 1985, Holly Dunn landed a record contract in her own right with MTM Records (Mary Tyler Moore), and released her first single The first three singles barely dented the Billboard charts, but the fourth time was a charm. Her 1986 release, “Daddy’s Hands” became her first Top Ten hit and would become her most recognized and trademark song of her career. 1987's Cornerstone produced three top ten singles in "Love Someone Like Me,” "Only When I Love," and “Strangers Again.” That began a six year run where few artists were producing as many radio-friendly hits as Dunn. During that window, she had two number ones including "Are You Ever Gonna Love Me" and "You Really Had Me Going." Dunn was invited to become an Opry member and was even the host of the TNN television show, Opry Backstage, in 2000 and 2001. 

But shortly thereafter, in 2003 to be exact, Holly abruptly announced her retirement from her musical career to pursue her other passion, art. On her website, she explains, “Early in my music career, I made a little promise to myself that if time and circumstances allowed, I would someday pursue my passion for making art.  I am truly thrilled to now be a full time professional artist living and working in the great Southwest that I love, and love to paint!”

Unreleased Works From Barbara Mandrell To See Release In February 2016

Artwork reflects original LP art, not new release art

Artist: Barbara Mandrell
Album: This Time I Almost Made It: The Lost Columbia Masters
Label: Real Gone Music
Release date: Feb. 12, 2016

Stardom is a funny thing. Sometimes a talented performer can labor for years turning out recordings of such a high quality that chart success seems a foregone conclusion. Then, a change of label, or producer, or public taste, and boom! Superstardom. Such was the trajectory of Barbara Mandrell s career. She started singing for producer Billy Sherrill at Columbia Records in Nashville, making one exceptional country-soul record after another. She enjoyed several solid Top 20 Columbia singles but never quite achieved pop-crossover stardom. Sherrill reluctantly let her go, and in 1975 Barbara signed with ABC/Dot later morphing into MCA. She subsequently enjoyed a Hall of Fame run with a long string of hits highlighted by two Entertainer of the Year awards from the Country Music Association the first female to accomplish the feat (the only other one is Taylor Swift!) her own NBC television show and other accolades too numerous to mention. Along the way, she blended her distinctive country-pop-rhythm and blues sound to appeal to audiences of all these genres.

Now, with its release of This Time I Almost Made It The Lost Columbia Masters, Real Gone Music trains a spotlight on Barbara s unjustly neglected Columbia period. The 20-track collection features the CD debut of her 1974 album This Time I Almost Made It, including her country hits This Time I Almost Made It and Wonder When My Baby s Coming Home, compelling covers of country-pop classics of the period ( A Very Special Love Song, Words, You re All I Need To Get By, Something ), the rare non-LP side Son of a Gun and compilation album obscurity Scarlet Water plus a full seven unreleased tracks dating from her very first Columbia session in 1969 through 1970, headlined by her fantastic version of Joe Maphis Dim Lights, Thick Smoke, and Loud Music. In fact, only two of these tracks have appeared on CD before, and with remastering by Vic Anesini and Maria Triana at Sony s Battery Studios, and liner notes by Joe Marchese featuring quotes from the great lady herself and rare period photos, this is by any yardstick a major addition to the discography of a country music legend.

Track listing:

  1. This Time I Almost Made It
  2. Right Bakc Feeling Like a Woman
  3. Wisdom of a Fool
  4. You're All I Need to Get By
  5. Wonder When My Baby's Coming Home
  6. Keep on Singin'
  7. A Very Special Love Song
  8. Today I Started Loving You Again
  9. Kiss the Hurt Away
  10. Words
  11. Something
  12. I Hope You Love Me (Unreleased)
  13. You Can Always Come Back (Unreleased)
  14. Coming Home Soldier (Unreleased)
  15. Stay Til I Get There (Unreleased)
  16. I Take it Back (Unreleased)
  17. Dim Lights, Thick Smoke & Loud Music (Unreleased)
  18. You Took Him Off My Hands (Unreleased)
  19. Son of a Gun
  20. Scarlet Water

Great New DVD Featuring Country's Classic Performers Available Today

A must have two-DVD set that contains nearly seven hours of performances and behind-the-scenes footage of Country music Superstars Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and the late Johnny Cash and Tammy Wynette is soon available. This is a reissue of a 1978 CMT television special at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN. Others on this set are Roy Acuff, Eddy Arnold, Chet Atkins, Glen Campbell, Ray Charles, Charlie Daniels Band, Crystal Gayle, Barbara Mandrell, Bill Monroe, Anne Murray, Charley Pride, Conway Twitty, Marty Robbins and many more. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Shout! factories combine their efforts to release this Classic two-DVD set, Country’s Greatest Stars Live: Volume 1 and 2, today- January 26, 2010. The DVDs retail for $14.98 each at the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum, online at www.countrymusichalloffame.com and retail outlets nationwide.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Plans Numerous Christmas Themed Programs

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has decked the hall and scheduled a several programs and events for the month of December.

“Coffee, Country, Christmas and Cody” – Fri., Dec. 4 @ 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
650 AM WSM’s Bill Cody broadcasts live from the Museum’s Curb Conservatory. “Coffee, Country, Cody and Christmas” will include a buffet-style breakfast; performances by Richie McDonald, Ricky Skaggs, the Whites and the Skaggs family; prizes and more. Tickets are $6.50 and go on sale November 13 at 10 a.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum Web site. McDonald, Skaggs and the Whites will sign autographs in the Museum Store following the broadcast.

Family Program: Make Letterpress Art with Hatch Show Print – Sat., Dec. 5 @ 1:00 p.m.
Learn about letterpress printing from Jim Sherraden, manager of Hatch Show Print, one of the oldest working letterpress print shops in the United States. Use block images to make your own holiday card or T-shirt. Paper provided. Participants should bring their own T-shirts. Ages 6 to 18. No reservations required. This workshop takes place in the SunTrust Community Room at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Admission is FREE. Families are encouraged to tour the Museum at a discounted rate following the program. Visit the information desk or ticket window for more information.

Concert: A John Cowan Christmas Sat., Dec. 5 @ 2:00 p.m.
John Cowan will perform seasonal songs both sacred and secular from his new Christmas project, Comfort & Joy (E1 Music). Cowan is best known as the powerhouse lead singer for pivotal acoustic band New Grass Revival. Today he leads the John Cowan Band, including Jeff Autry, Shad Cobb, John Frazier and Byron Larrance. A signing follows in the Museum Store.

Interview: Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” Thu., Dec. 10 @ Noon
Brenda Lee’s 1958 recording of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” has sold an estimated 8 million copies worldwide. Truly a Christmas classic, the song is also an important piece of Nashville recording history. In this interview, Country Music Hall of Fame member Lee reminisces about the recording of this holiday masterpiece and discusses it in the context of her career. The program will be followed by a signing in the Museum Store.

Film Loop: Johnny Cash Christmas Show (1977) Fri., Dec. 11 @ 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 13 @ 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
From 1969 to 1971, Johnny Cash hosted a nationally broadcast television show, which featured a variety of guest stars. After the series went off the air, Cash continued to make television appearances through his annual Christmas specials. This edition of The Johnny Cash Christmas Show originally aired in November 1977. Taped at the Grand Ole Opry House in front of a live audience, the program includes guest appearances by June Carter Cash, Roy Clark, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, and the Statler Brothers. This 60-minute film will loop continuously in the Ford Theater. FREE.

Film Screening: Barbara Mandrell’s Christmas: A Family Reunion (1986) Sun., Dec. 13 @ 2:00 p.m.
Country Music Hall of Fame member Barbara Mandrell hosted a primetime Christmas special in 1986. Barbara Mandrell’s Christmas: A Family Reunion is similar to her early 1980s television series, Barbara Mandrell & the Mandrell Sisters. The program features performances and skits by Mandrell alongside her musical sisters, Louise and Irlene. In this footage, the talented trio covers holiday favorites like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Winter Wonderland,” and many more. Shown as originally aired, including commercials. Footage from the Museum’s Frist Library and Archive. 60 minutes. FREE.

Film Loop: Johnny Cash Christmas Show (1980) Fri., Dec. 18 @ 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 20 @ 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
From 1969 to 1971, Johnny Cash hosted a nationally broadcast television show, which featured a variety of guest stars. After the series went off the air, Cash continued to make television appearances through his annual Christmas specials. This edition of The Johnny Cash Christmas Show originally aired in November 1980. Taped at the Grand Ole Opry House in front of a live audience, the program includes guest appearances by June Carter Cash, Mac Davis, and Jeannie C. Riley. This 60-minute film will loop continuously in the Ford Theater. FREE.

Please visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum online for more information.

Country Music Hall Of Fame Officially Adds Three More

I sometimes hesitate to add some of the more obvious country music news- guessing that most of our few thousand a day readers already know the big stuff- but it would seem a shame not to properly honor three legends in the country music industry for careers almost unmatched.

Country music legend Roy Clark was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on Sunday (5/17)along with fellow greats Barbara Mandrell and Charlie McCoy. The three were saluted for their music as well as their contributions to bringing the genre to a mass audience through television.

Clark co-hosted the TV show "Hee Haw” with Buck Owens for more than two decades. Mandrell joined sisters Louise and Irlene to host "Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters” on NBC from 1980-82. McCoy, an ace session musician, served as musical director of "Hee Haw” for 18 years.

The three were honored in a tribute that included performances by Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, George Jones, Alison Krauss, Josh Turner, Michael McDonald, Rodney Crowell and others.

Roy Clark, Barbara Mandrell and Charlie McCoy Named To Country Music Hall Of Fame

Veteran entertainers Roy Clark (pictured), Barbara Mandrell and Charlie McCoy were named on Wednesday to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The announcement was made by Tammy Genovese, head of the Country Music Association, who said the three would be inducted this spring at a date to be decided during a reunion for Hall of Fame members.

Clark, 75, gained fame on the "Hee Haw" TV show. Mandrell, 60, starred in her own national TV show, and McCoy, 67, is a noted touring musician and session artist.

Clark said he never thought he would wind up in "a pretty exclusive club that includes Jimmy Rodgers, Hank Williams, Roy Acuff, and Little Jimmy Dickens ... all of my friends and heroes."

The Hall of Fame was established in 1961 and will have 108 members when the three newest are added.

Early Birthday Wishes To Barbara Mandrell & Steve Wariner

That Nashville Sound wishes early birthday wishes to longtime country music legends Barbara Mandrell & Steve Wariner- both of which celebrate their birthdays on Christmas Day.

Barbara Ann Mandrell, who turns 60*, is best-known for a 1970s–1980s series of Top 10 hits and TV shows (1980-82) that helped her become one of country music's most successful female vocalists of the 1970s and 1980s.

She is the only female in country music history to win the Country Music Association's "Entertainer of the Year" award twice, and she has also won the Country Music Association's "Female Vocalist of the Year" twice.

Steve Wariner (born Steven Noel Wariner), turns 54. He is one of Nashville's most celebrated guitarists and a great singer/songwriter. He was one of the most popular artists during the 1980s, thanks to a string of No. 1 singles recorded for both RCA and MCA Records. After his popularity waned somewhat during the mid-1990s, he enjoyed a resurgence thanks to his 1998 hit "Holes in the Floor of Heaven." He most recently appears on Brad Paisley's new mostly-instrumental album Play.

You can watch his big 1998 hit HERE:

Steve Wariner - New Music - More Music Videos

* correction- thanks to Mrs. Mommyy for pointing out my error earlier today!