I’ve been a music fan for as long as I can remember.  My early life was pretty unremarkable in the Chicago suburbs, but after the Beatles came to America and the British Invasion began, I became obsessed with pop music
and rock n’ roll.  I began to teach myself to play the drums at age 12 and proceeded to play in a series of bands from the late 60s into the early 80s.  It was never my livelihood, but I loved playing live in local venues and festivals in the Chicago area.  I spent several decades building my music collection, transitioning from vinyl to cassettes, to CDs to streaming.  In the 70s and 80s.I also enjoyed serving as DJ for the private school where I was employed.

Being the father of three young children put my musical ambitions on hold, but I made sure we always had lots of good music playing in our lively home.  In 1990 our family relocated to Saxtons River, Vermont where my wife acquired a teaching job at Vermont Academy.  We fell in love with the laid back vibe and rural lifestyle.  A “late bloomer” as it were, I got my teaching degree at Keene State College and became an elementary teacher and then principal over the next 21 years.  I played drums whenever I had the chance at Vermont Academy functions and played drums in several musicals at the Saxtons River Playhouse as well.  I’ve since retired and currently enjoy doing volunteer work with local non-profits.

It’s always brought me great pleasure to find new music, or rediscover old music and share it with others.  I’m even sharing some of my music collection with my grandchildren presently–I love it and so do they!  Like most people, I have a soft spot in my heart for the music of my youth.  As a result, I lean toward rock n’ roll, blues, and roots music, but also enjoy jazz, gospel, folk, and international styles.  My wife and I were among the first donors to WOOL FM and are proud to support local alternative radio.  Her encouragement (and that of a good friend) led me to apply to host a show on WOOL.  Border Pete trained me over a few weeks in January and February of this year, and I now host “Popsy’s Picks” Saturdays from 8AM-9AM.  It’s a real pleasure to be able to share my passion for music with an audience that appreciates something that can educate and entertain in a playful and unique way.

John Reed (aka “Popsy”)