Listen to Jack Play, download this MP3:  "It don't mean a thing"

Jack was born in Iron Lane, Georgetown in 1916. 

        Here's Baby Jack        

 In 1935 he moved to Chelmsford, Essex, following a 

promise of work made by his cousin. he served  his 

apprenticeship at Hoffman Engineering, Chelmsford,

and became a Toolmaker. Whilst in Chelmsford, he

met and courted Nora Barden.

Jack  with his friend Charles Beswick, taken in 1937 at Chelmsford.

The British Federation of Banjoists, Mandolinists & Guitarists awarded Jack

       3rd Place, with a Mandolin Solo, in the Federation Challenge Cup Competition,

29th October 1938. He often said, that had it not been for the fact that the

                                         Listen to Jack Play, download this MP3:  "It don't mean a thing"

                                                   Jack was born in Iron Lane, Georgetown in 1916. 

                                    Jack  with his friend Charles Beswick, taken in 1937 at Chelmsford.

                              In 1939 Jack returned to Merthyr to work at Rotax Ltd, Cyfarthfa, Manufacturers 

                              of Magnetos and Distributors, ETC. for the aircraft industry. In later years Jack

                              attended a Rotax Toolroom 40th Anniversary Dinner, The Menu shown here was

                              drawn by Toolroom Ex-colleague and renowned local artist George Hanney .

                              The rear of which was signed by all guests.

                                                                                Click to enlarge

                               Nora soon followed Jack to Merthyr,  and in November 1939, they became married.

                      Jack and Nora lived for a while at First Avenue, Galon Uchaf, where his two daughters 

                       Valerie and Pauline  were born. 

                                        During this time Jack's reputation as a guitarist was growing and he soon

                                        became a much sought after musician and arranger with local bands.

                                        In December 1952 he moved to 15, Maendy Crescant, Gellideg Estate, 

                                        which had just been completed. He lived here for the rest of his life. He 

                                        eventually became resident guitarist at the Gellideg Social Club, and played

                                        there until he resigned in 1976.                                     

                                      Jack seen here at the Gellideg Social Club, On the extreme left is his 

                                       long time friend Dave Gould.    (See Dave Gould's Guitar Pages)

                                       Here's Jack Playing with the Jack Laycock Four at an Aberdare Club.

                                     Jack gave guitar playing lessons during the late 60's and throughout the 70's.

                                     He taught many of Merthyr's musical talent including Owen Money.

                                     In the mid 1970.s Jack, together with his brother Ron Laycock, took up a 

                                     twice weekly gig at the Castle Hotel, Merthyr. On occasion when Ron was 

                                     not available Jack was joined  by either Dave Gould or Scotsman Robbie 

                                     Wallace (Bob Silver).

                                     In 1985 Jack had surgery which affected the rest of his life, but a few days

                                     prior to this operation he was allowed out of hospital to got to a Jazz Club 

                                     in Cardiff, to see American Jazz Guitarist Tal Farlow.

                                     Jack with guitarist Tal Farlow at the Gibbs Club, Cardiff , 1985

                                      Jack and Nora at their Golden Wedding Anniversary, at the Horse & 

                                       Groom Inn, Penydarren.

Nora passed away on the 24th August 1993