The McGlinn family settled in the Maitland District in the 1880’s and were prominent in the local community. Three of Jack’s uncles served in the First World War. One of them, John Patrick McGlinn rose to the rank of Brigadier-General.
Jack’s father, Les, remained at Maitland where he was a prominent member of the local band. Jack took after his father and was also a Musician. While Jack was living at Moree he was recorded performing with the local Minstrels.
Jack McGlinn was first recorded playing with the Maitland juniors in 1923, before moving on to the Maitland senior team in 1924. From the mid 1920’s until the end of the decade Jack moved around and was living in a number of north west NSW towns including Moree, Narrabri and Werris Creek.