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