Jimmy Nichols, the beloved Nashville musician who shared stages and studios with some of country music’s biggest names, has died at 64, leaving behind a heartbroken family and a stunned music community.
Nichols, a respected session musician, producer and music director who worked with stars including Reba McEntire, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood and Elton John, died in his sleep on July 10, according to his wife, Tonya Cochran Ginnetti.
The devastating news was shared by Ginnetti in a Facebook post the next day.
“This is Tonya, Jimmy’s wife. Jimmy passed away in his sleep last night,” she wrote. “He so loved making music with his Nashville family.”
Overcome with grief, she added: “I don’t have any words right now.”
Nichols’ death came at an especially painful time for the family. His longtime collaborator and close friend David Pack revealed that a recent benefit concert had been held for Ginnetti, who needs a lung transplant.
Pack said he had recently performed at “Every Breath She Takes,” a benefit for Tonya, only for the event to take on a heartbreaking new meaning after Nichols’ sudden passing.
“It also became Jimmy’s farewell,” Pack wrote.
According to Pack, Nichols had played at a church service in Franklin, Tennessee, the night before he died. He then went home and passed away in his sleep, a final chapter that Pack described as a reflection of Nichols’ faith.
“Rest in heavenly peace my brother, you have earned it. I’ll miss you,” Pack wrote, while sending condolences to Tonya, the Ginnetti family and Nichols’ many friends.
Nichols was far from just another name in Nashville. Behind the scenes, he was the kind of musician other musicians trusted — a steady, gifted presence whose fingerprints could be found across country, pop, gospel and television.
For years, Nichols worked as a keyboardist and music director, including with Reba McEntire and Faith Hill. He also played with a long list of major artists, including Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood and Elton John.
Before becoming a fixture in Nashville’s professional music world, Nichols spent 24 years touring the country with his three brothers as part of the Nichols Brothers. Just two weeks before his death, he was inducted into the Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame, a final honor that now feels especially poignant.
Friends and fans are now mourning not only a talented musician, but a man remembered for his heart, faith and deep love for his wife.
