Jack Mitchell – Drummer for Stycks, Texas Rose & Lynx
By Paul Heckmann, Executive Director, Memories Inc.
Early Years
Jack Mitchell began drumming at R.L. Turner High School with a local band called The Royals. The experience set the stage for a lifelong musical career.
Joining The Stycks
The Stycks formed around 1966–67. Jack joined a bit later, replacing drummer Jay Taylor of the Taylor Publishing family.
Life Inside the Studio Club
Owned by the future founder of Chili’s, Larry Lavine, the Studio Club was a legendary rehearsal spot for Dallas-area musicians.
Jack recalls practicing alongside Don Henley and Glenn Frey when they were still part of Felicity—before heading to L.A. and helping form the Eagles.
Louann’s: A Dallas Icon
The Stycks at Louann’s in 1969, courtesy Jack Mitchell
Jack and The Stycks became regular performers at Louann’s, booked through Showco. Their gigs included opening for:
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Zephyr
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Steve Miller Band at McFarlin Auditorium
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Sonny & Cher (University of Oklahoma & Texas Tech)
Jack remembers discovering boxes of tickets from Louann’s shows dating back to the 1940s. However since then they have been lost to history.
Auditioning Stevie Ray Vaughan
As a favor to Jimmie Vaughan, The Stycks auditioned a young Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Jack recognized SRV’s natural talent immediately, though his wild style didn’t yet match the band’s needs.
A few years later, Stevie reappeared onstage with the band Blackbird, leaving the band stunned at his growth.
The 1971 Louann’s Fire
On April 1st, 1971, Louann’s burned to the ground in a three-alarm fire.
The band’s equipment—left overnight in the club—was completely destroyed.
With their insurance recently dropped, the loss was total.
But with a gig scheduled for that same night, the band scrambled to replace everything, with help from Arnold & Morgan Music. Jack “They really helped us out a lot. We had a gig that night and we made it thanks to Arnold and Morgan.”
Larry Lavine, Louann’s, and… Chili’s
Lavine rebuilt Louann’s in a new location and kept the band employed.
Jack remembers Lavine telling him about a new idea for a burger place: Chili’s. No word on if he made it work of not.
The End of The Stycks
With members drifting away, the band retired the name and re-formed as Texas Rose, going through several iterations.
Jack later performed with Lynx, eventually opening for the other Stycks band, the legendary Styx.
Life Today
Jack retired from retail after serving as electronics manager at Walmart.
He now spends his days with his wife, 14 cats, and 3 dogs—“half my day cleaning cat poop.”
Closing
Paul: Thanks so much, Jack. Love the story on Larry Lavine and a young Stevie Ray. These were fantastic stories—it’s been a blast!
carter buschardt
I remember those days, and your bands. I hadn’t heard the name Bob Lincoln in years. whatever happened to him. I remember Lynx with rocky. I was in Krackerjack, and we were later renamed Rosco………Carter Buschardt.
Jack Mitchell Jr.
Carter, Bob is alive and well living the rural life in east Texas , as for me I’m well and living in Greenville,Texas.
Becky Hooley, once a Hooley-Kidwill
Hello my friend Jack Mitchell. Hope you are well, and your barnyard critters. Been a longtime since days if our youths. Still see parts of Lynx at Dallas Guitar shows. Out of touch with Newell, was a best friend back in the day. Hear from Winfred Ramsey time to time. Lives in CO and has health issues, with his twin sons whom look like him and play keys..Great Dallas memory. Live long & prosper.
Jack
Doing well Becky ! Thanks for asking ! ❤️ I hope all is well with you too !! ??
Vic Pore
I use to check coats with my buddy Danny Martinkus who was related to Ann Bovis and Lou Bovis. I also use to watch Styks play at Crossroads when I was in the 9th grade. They were an inspiration to me as I was heavy into rock music playing bass and singing.
Jack Mitchell
Thank you Vic ! Remembering good times seeing you guys at Fanny Ann’s ☮️
jerrymccolgan
Hello Jack — Was Kay your wife? Just curious; I worked with her during the seventies and remembered your name from speaking with her.
Jack Mitchell
Jerry, Yes she was. I’m surprised you remembered my name. It’s been a while. Take care man ??
jerrymccolgan
I worked with her for a few years at RNB. You get to know some people pretty well over time; speaking about their home lives etc. I remembered that she spoke of her husband, Jack, who was a drummer. It just stuck with me I guess. Great person! I hope she is doing well. Thanks for responding, Jack! I hope the best for you also.