Local multi-instrumentalist John Joseph Popek Jr. (a.k.a. “Jack”) died on Dec. 23, 2022, at the age of 73.
Many in Murfreesboro were familiar with the classical guitarist from his work playing weddings and events, his regular performances at Milano on College Street for a time, and his participation in other jam sessions, online lessons and area activities.
Following his death, his friends and fellow musicians have shared their memories of and tributes to the talented musician, teacher and music theorist.
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Jack was my friend, fellow band member and ardent conveyer of a fine verbal joust. Jack and I argued a great deal about politics, life, whiskey, music and any other topic which might make for conversational fodder.
Jack—who generally wore a leather jacket, sported long hair and had a swagger about him that instantly separated him from the crowd—was one of those rare individuals who could disagree with you and keep it conversational.
I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who had the passion for music that he had. I came to relish the opportunity to hear him performing, especially classical music. My favorites of these performances were Christmas videos that he would make to send home to his family in New Jersey and various other people around the country. He asked me to film, edit and upload some of these videos. He would painstakingly put together a program of classical music, tie in a Christmas theme that went with the music, and send to his friends and family members as a Christmas gift. He had a true God-given ability to find music in every aspect of his life.
He was the type of friend you could get mad at and never question whether you’d be friends again afterwards, he was a kind of neighbor that would invite you in for a drink, even if you showed up uninvited—I enjoyed his company so much that I always kept a bottle of Maker’s Mark behind my own bar, just for him, and I intend to always keep a bottle of his favorite whiskey there and regularly drink to his memory—and he was the kind of musician who made you want to be a better player. His skill level constantly challenged me and gave me something to aspire to.
I will forever miss my friend, and if there’s a band in heaven, Jack is somewhere between John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix telling them how they could perform it better.
Tony Lehew
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Jack, you were a really great musical talent and person in general. I thank you for the work you did for me in helping me with my retirement plans and sorting out the mess with Medicare and my VA benefits. I hope you are at peace.
I can’t thank you enough for the friendship and the music we shared. There was a dark time in my life that I shared with you. You were there to listen and explain to me that those times will pass, and better days will come. Jack, I wish you were here to see that a damaged friendship is on the repair and my outlook on life has been changed for the better because of your friendship and advice. I believe you were a part of helping that happen. May you sing and play for and with the angels in heaven. I hope to see you there someday.
Larry Giles
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Jack was not only a great musician and multi-talented, he still would give you a compliment when you played something good. For a drummer to get a compliment from a guitarist is a great feeling that I never will forget.
Ken McDaniels
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When on stage, Jack was always to my right playing either guitar, bass or keyboards. When I would have moments of doubt about my performance, I would look to my right to see a sideways smile to let me know I was hitting the mark or a look of “What is that coming out of your mouth?!” to let me know to try again.
During times of instrument change over with the band, Jack would always throw out a good Rodney Dangerfield line to keep us laughing. Usually this would start a whole comedy skit.
He was a true Beatles fan and knew how to play and sing any Beatles song you could imagine.
He encouraged me to sing the style of music that touches my soul.
I am going to miss you, Jack.
Shannon Johnson
Jack was a gifted musician, a charismatic teacher, a sentimental guy, a world class sense of humor, and my friend for the last 33 years.
I worked with Jack for many years when he was a high school chorus teacher in New Jersey. He inspired hundreds of students to appreciate music and to perform at a college level. When he directed them in his concerts it was a thing of beauty. Jack had school spirit. He played in our fundraising ball games where the teachers faced NY Giants football players in basketball and got our butts kicked.
After he moved to Murfreesboro, we didn´t see each other as much in person, but we kept in regular touch over the phone. When he visited relatives up north, we would always get together and visit his old favorite places in NYC….from museums to bars. Jack was always friendly and caring to my special needs daughter and gifted her with prints of great artists. She has two of his Van Gogh prints hanging on our walls.
Jack, I thank you for your friendship, for all the laughs and tears, for your Christmas videos and for all the times we agreed to disagree. We spoke on the phone the day before you passed and I am so sad. I will always cherish our friendship and keep you in my heart. So until we meet together in heaven, I love you, brother!
Bill Cleary
Friend
January 6, 2023
Comment February 23, 2023 @ 1:13 pm
I, too, worked with Jack when we were both on staff at Parsippany Hills High School in New Jersey. Years after I left teaching, he contacted me again to encourage me to apply to direct productions at the Ridgewood Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company, where he was musical director. We lost track of each other when I moved to North Carolina, but something today, almost two years after his death, prompted me to think about looking Jack up on line, and I am saddened to learn that I am too late.
Jack was a great guy, cynical but soft, with a cutting sense of humor, and incredibly talented. I wish I’d had the opportunity to reconnect.
Steve O’Donnell
Comment July 23, 2024 @ 10:24 am
As a child I asked Santa for a trumpet, but I usually received some plastic toy instead of an instrument. I also got stuck with organ lessons for a year in my home and remember the flash cards for reading notes on the staff (still have them). These things were a blip on my radar compared with what I would find later in life.
In the fourth grade, I was tasked with playing a recorder in music class. We all did it; we’ve all been there. Well — I had the privilege of learning from the most inspiring music teacher of my life: Mr. Popek. This man knew exactly how to explain everything and it all clicked for me instantly. The problem? it was only one year. I never saw him again, UNTIL…
High school! Yes, all four years of the choir and music theory under the direction of Mr. Popek. I was absolutely thrilled! I would appear for class (period one) early to play on the piano in the chorus room. Mr. Popek was always right behind me to unlock the door. I honestly do not think he cared about me as much as I him, but it didn’t matter. I was so happy to learn from this teacher. Mr. Popek created magic and inspired all his students to perform with enthusiasm. Even the boys who did not need to be in a music class were there to have fun and make music. His was a legacy career, for sure.
I cried at graduation as we sang our alma mater and Mr. Popek gave me a big hug. I could not wait to return as alumni for the Hallelujah Chorus every winter, just to relive my best moments under his direction. In fact, I even showed up for chorus class now and then during regular school days just to be a part of things with my younger friends. I was so not ready to leave that environment! Mr. Popek was very patient with me and never once discouraged my appearances. These days security would never allow it. I was so lucky to have been able to do this! I went on to study Music Education in college.
Fast forward to 2004 — I dug up Mr. Popek in NYC and asked him to play guitar at my wedding. It was amazing! I even met his mother! And I am very, very sad to learn of his passing.
Thank you to everyone who befriended Mr. Popek. I know he needed you and I do hope that you all know that his legacy is one that touched me, too. A piece of me is missing now. I will do my very best to pass on my passion for music to my son’s band department as he finishes high school. Peace.
Comment January 1, 2025 @ 4:41 pm