Ella Langley Gifted Music Teacher Who Inspired Her a Signed Guitar

Ella Langley has never forgotten the people who helped shape her musical journey. The country star recently paid tribute to one of her earliest musical influences with a heartfelt gift that brought their story full circle.  

While back home in Alabama for two sold-out concerts, Langley surprised her former teacher, Maury Popwell, affectionately known as “Coach Pop,” with a signed guitar of his own.  

Langley grew up in Hope Hull, Alabama, where Popwell was one of the teachers who played an important role in her early years. According to WSFA, Popwell taught for 57 years, including 22 at Hooper Academy, where he taught Langley.  

The two bonded over their shared love of horses and music. On Friday mornings, Popwell and the young Langley would meet before school to play guitar together.  

Popwell would bring his 12-string guitar to those sessions, and Langley quickly developed an appreciation for the instrument.  

When Langley decided to leave Alabama and move to Nashville to pursue her dreams of becoming a country artist, Popwell made sure she had something meaningful to take with her.  

He recalled learning that Langley was heading to Nashville and asking her to stop by the school before she left. When she arrived, he gave her the 12-string guitar they had played together.  

“I gave her that guitar. So she took it with her,” Popwell recalled.  

That simple gesture became part of Langley’s musical story as she went on to establish herself as one of country music’s rising stars.  

As Langley’s career has grown, Popwell has continued following her accomplishments from home. From watching her receive major awards and break Billboard chart records to seeing her perform for increasingly larger audiences, he has remained one of her biggest supporters.  

Popwell described his connection to Langley as something that goes far beyond that of a former teacher and student.  

“It affects me like she is my grandchild,” he said, adding that seeing her accept awards has brought tears to his eyes. He considers her part of his family.  

When Langley returned to Alabama for back-to-back sold-out shows at Auburn University, she made sure Coach Pop was there to celebrate with her.  

She sent him tickets to the concerts and then surprised him backstage with a signed acoustic guitar. Photos shared by his granddaughter, Caitlyn, showed Popwell posing with Langley while wearing a “Choosin’ Auburn” hat and an “Ella’s Fella’s” T-shirt.  

The guitar was a particularly meaningful gift considering Popwell had given Langley his own guitar years earlier, and considering their history, Coach Pop may always have a special claim to being the OG “Ella Fella.”