Jack Popek 1949—2022

“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.

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 it 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, 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