The Mystics (30)

The Mystic band got it's beginning in 1967, in the Pilsen neighborhood in a garage on the near southwest side of Chicago. The original band was comprised of 6 members, largely Hispanic, ages ranging from 15 to 19. Rudy Negron (Lead singers), Ted (Lead guitar), Joe (Drums), and Phil (Keyboards). The group played for local High School dances and outdoor festivals. Before long they had quite a following. In 1969 they merged with a local north side group, which also consisted of a brass and woodwind section. Now the Mystics were 12 members. In the fall of that same year a producer named Ed O'Kelly with Teako Label happened by one of the group's rehearsals. He was so impressed with what he heard that he offered the group a recording contract. By the winter of 1969 the group went down to Universal Studios to record their first single "That's the Kind of Love". In the summer of 1970 the single hit the airwaves on the predominately black AM stations of WVON and WJPC of Chicago. The recording did quite well and hit the charts at number 11. "That's the Kind of Love" was heard throughout the country as well as in Viet Nam. Returning Vets made it a popular request song in the Tri-State area. The Mystics never reaped the reward of the recording. Like many young artist from that era the group had signed a questionable contract. The Mystics disbanded in 1971. The band seems to have re-emerged and has recorded as the 'Mystic band' for their own label during the 1980's.