Career Timeline of Jack White: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Jack White built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jack White, born John Anthony White, is an American musician best known as the guitarist and lead singer of the rock duo The White Stripes. Following the band's disbandment, he pursued a successful solo career, collaborative projects, and various business ventures. He gained international recognition for his distinctive musical style and contributions to the rock genre.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

1915: Use of a 1915 Gibson L-1 acoustic guitar

In 1915, Jack White began using a 1915 Gibson L-1 acoustic guitar on the Icky Thump album, calling it his favorite instrument in an interview for Gibson.

1964: Use of a vintage 1964 red Airline "JB Hutto" guitar

In 1964, Jack White began using a vintage 1964 red Airline "JB Hutto" model guitar, distributed by Montgomery Ward department store, which significantly raised its popularity.

1996: First Professional Gig and Goober & the Peas Split

In 1996, Jack White had his first professional gig as the drummer for the Detroit band Goober & the Peas, which then broke up.

1997: The White Stripes Founded

In 1997, Jack White founded The White Stripes with Meg White in Detroit after moonlighting as a drummer for several underground Detroit bands.

1997: Meg Learns to Play Drums and Forms White Stripes

In 1997, Meg White began to play drums, leading her and Jack White to form the White Stripes.

1998: Signed to Italy Records

In 1998, The White Stripes were signed to Italy Records by Dave Buick.

1999: Debut Album Release

In 1999, The White Stripes released their eponymous debut album.

2000: Eastwood Guitars producing a replica of Airline "JB Hutto"

Around the year 2000, Eastwood Guitars began producing a modified replica of the 1964 red Airline "JB Hutto" guitar due to its increased popularity from Jack White's use.

2001: New York Times concert review

In 2001, Ann Powers noted in a New York Times concert review that White's playing was "ingenious", but he "created more challenges by playing an acoustic guitar with paper taped over the hole and a less-than-high-quality solid body electric".

2001: Co-founding of Third Man Records

In 2001, Jack White co-founded Third Man Records with Ben Swank, formerly of the Ohio-based Soledad Brothers band, marking the beginning of his venture into the music label industry.

2001: White Stripes' Breakthrough with 'White Blood Cells'

In 2001, The White Stripes achieved international fame with their breakthrough album, White Blood Cells, which featured the hit single "Fell in Love with a Girl".

2001: Release of White Blood Cells

In 2001, The White Stripes released their album White Blood Cells, gaining critical acclaim and making them leaders in the garage band revival.

2002: Acclaim for The White Stripes

By 2002, The White Stripes became one of the most acclaimed bands of the time due to the success of White Blood Cells.

2003: Appearance in Cold Mountain

In 2003, Jack White appeared in the film Cold Mountain as a character named Georgia and performed five songs for the soundtrack. This expanded his artistic endeavors into acting and film soundtracks.

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2003: Release of 'Elephant' Album

In 2003, The White Stripes released the commercially and critically successful album Elephant, featuring the signature song "Seven Nation Army".

2004: Grammy Win and Collaboration with Loretta Lynn

In 2004, "Seven Nation Army" won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song. Jack White also produced and performed on Loretta Lynn's album Van Lear Rose, which was a critical and commercial success.

June 7, 2005: Release of 'Get Behind Me Satan'

On June 7, 2005, The White Stripes released their fifth album, Get Behind Me Satan, which marked a change in their musical direction.

2005: The Raconteurs Founded

In 2005, Jack White founded the band The Raconteurs with Brendan Benson.

2005: Use of Electro-Harmonix Polyphonic Octave Generator (POG)

In 2005, for the single "Blue Orchid", White employed an Electro-Harmonix Polyphonic Octave Generator (POG), which let him mix in several octave effects into one along with the dry signal. He plugs this setup into a 1970s Fender Twin Reverb "Silverface" and two 100-Watt Sears Silvertone 1485 6×10 amplifiers. He also used a 1960s Fender Twin Reverb "Blackface".

2006: The Raconteurs' Debut and Grammy Nomination

In 2006, The Raconteurs released their debut album, Broken Boy Soldiers, which was nominated for Best Rock Album at the 2006 Grammy Awards. They also toured as the opening act for Bob Dylan.

2007: Use of Hammond A-100 organ

For the White Stripes' 2007 tour, White played a custom-finish Hammond A-100 organ with a Leslie 3300 speaker, which was subsequently loaned to Bob Dylan, and currently resides at Third Man Studios.

2007: Portrayal of Elvis Presley in Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story

In 2007, Jack White played Elvis Presley in the satire Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, adding a comedic role to his acting repertoire.

2007: Release of 'Icky Thump' and Tour Cancellation

In 2007, The White Stripes released their sixth album, Icky Thump, and launched a Canadian tour. However, 18 tour dates and the UK tour were cancelled due to Meg White's acute anxiety.

2007: Acquisition of 1957 Gretsch G6134 White Penguin

While on tour in Texas in 2007, White found a 1957 Gretsch G6134 White Penguin, the same guitar he used in the music video for "Icky Thump".

March 25, 2008: Release of Consolers of the Lonely

On March 25, 2008, The Raconteurs simultaneously released their second album, Consolers of the Lonely, and its first single, "Salute Your Solution".

2008: Raconteurs' Tour

For the Raconteurs' 2008 tour, White had Analog Man plate all of his guitar pedals in copper.

2008: Collaboration on Bond Theme "Another Way to Die"

In 2008, Jack White collaborated with Alicia Keys to record "Another Way to Die", the theme song for the James Bond film Quantum of Solace.

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February 20, 2009: White Stripes Live Appearance and Documentary Debut

On February 20, 2009, The White Stripes made their first live appearance after the cancellation of the Icky Thump tour on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and a documentary about their Canadian tour debuted later that year.

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March 11, 2009: Debut of The Dead Weather

On March 11, 2009, the Dead Weather debuted a handful of new tracks in Nashville from their debut album Horehound.

July 13, 2009: Release of Horehound in Europe

On July 13, 2009, The Dead Weather's debut album Horehound was released in Europe on Jack White's Third Man Records label.

July 14, 2009: Release of Horehound in North America

On July 14, 2009, The Dead Weather's debut album Horehound was released in North America on Jack White's Third Man Records label.

October 2009: Second Dead Weather Album Update

In October 2009, Alison Mosshart confirmed that the second Dead Weather album was "halfway done".

2009: Full Flash Blank tour

For the 2009 Full Flash Blank tour, White used a drum head with the Three Brides of Dracula on the front.

2009: Donation towards renovation of Clark Park baseball diamond

In 2009, Jack White donated almost $170,000 towards the renovation of the baseball diamond in southwest Detroit's Clark Park, demonstrating his commitment to supporting his hometown.

2009: The Dead Weather Founded

In 2009, Jack White founded The Dead Weather with Alison Mosshart of The Kills.

2009: Purchase of Third Man Records space in Nashville

In 2009, Jack White purchased a space in Nashville to house his label, Third Man Records. This allowed him to have his own studio with specific equipment, giving him greater control over his music production.

March 30, 2010: Release of "Die by the Drop"

On March 30, 2010, The Dead Weather released the first single, "Die by the Drop", from their upcoming album.

August 11, 2010: Release of "Fly Farm Blues"

On August 11, 2010, Jack White's first solo single, "Fly Farm Blues", was released as a 7-inch vinyl record and digital single.

November 2010: Collaboration with Danger Mouse

In November 2010, Danger Mouse announced that Jack White and Norah Jones were recruited for his collaboration with Daniele Luppi entitled Rome. Jack White contributed vocals to three songs on the album.

2010: New drum head released

In 2010, upon the release of Sea of Cowards, White employed a new drum head, which has an image of The Third Man himself: Harry Lime attempting to escape certain capture in the sewers of Vienna. During the American leg of the 2010 tour, White switched his drum head again featuring a picture of himself in the guise he wore on the cover of Sea of Cowards.

February 2, 2011: Disbanding of The White Stripes

On February 2, 2011, The White Stripes announced their disbanding on their official website.

October 4, 2011: Release of "You Know That I Know" on The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams

On October 4, 2011, Jack White's song "You Know That I Know" was released as part of The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams album. This marked a contribution to a project honoring the legacy of Hank Williams.

January 30, 2012: Release of "Love Interruption"

On January 30, 2012, Jack White released "Love Interruption" as the first single from his solo album, Blunderbuss, marking a significant step in his solo career.

April 24, 2012: Release of Blunderbuss

On April 24, 2012, Jack White released his debut solo album, Blunderbuss, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying his success as a solo artist.

June 2013: Payment of Detroit Masonic Temple's back taxes

In June 2013, it was revealed that Jack White had footed the entire bill to pay off the Detroit Masonic Temple's $142,000 in back taxes, preventing its foreclosure and leading to the renaming of a theater in his honor.

2013: Third Man Records launched Bumble Buzz pedal

In 2013, on Black Friday, Third Man Records expanded its product line and introduced the Bumble Buzz pedal, an octave fuzz effect custom-built for Third Man by Union Tube and Transistor. The Bumble Buzz pedal is designed to create fuzz sounds one octave higher.

April 1, 2014: Announcement of Lazaretto album

On April 1, 2014, Jack White announced his second solo album, Lazaretto, revealing the inspiration behind it from his teenage writings, which built anticipation for its release.

June 10, 2014: Release of Lazaretto and "High Ball Stepper"

On June 10, 2014, Jack White released his second solo album, Lazaretto, along with the single "High Ball Stepper". The album debuted at number one and broke vinyl sales records, marking a significant achievement.

July 30, 2014: Longest show of his career

On July 30, 2014, during his supporting tour, Jack White performed the longest show of his career at the Detroit Masonic Temple, showing his dedication to his performances.

2014: Lazaretto Sets Vinyl Sales Record

In 2014, Jack White's second studio album, Lazaretto, broke the record for most first-week vinyl sales since 1991.

2014: Hiatus of The Raconteurs

In 2014, The Raconteurs went on a hiatus, though at the time Brendan Benson believed that the band had split, creating uncertainty about their future.

2014: Bumble Buzz Pedal Reviewed

In 2014, the Bumble Buzz pedal was reviewed by Premier Guitar, and the Bumble Buzz pedal is found in Jack's pedal setup.

March 2015: Third Man joins TIDAL launch

In March 2015, Third Man Records joined in the launch of TIDAL, a music streaming service purchased and co-owned by Jay-Z and other major music artists, expanding the label's reach in the digital music landscape.

April 14, 2015: Announcement of break from live performances

On April 14, 2015, Jack White announced that his upcoming Coachella performance would be his last electric set, followed by acoustic shows in select states, before taking a break from live performances.

April 2015: Headlining performance at Coachella Festival

In April 2015, Jack White performed as one of the headliners at the Coachella Festival over two weekends. It was part of his supporting tour for the Lazaretto album.

July 2015: Announcement of Dodge & Burn album

In July 2015, The Dead Weather announced their third album, Dodge & Burn, set for a worldwide release in September by Third Man Records, marking a new project for the band.

July 2016: Joining Nashville's Gender Equality Council

In July 2016, Jack White joined Nashville's 45-member Gender Equality Council, showing his commitment to social issues and gender equality.

October 15, 2016: Performance on A Prairie Home Companion

On October 15, 2016, Jack White performed on the inaugural episode of the radio show A Prairie Home Companion with Chris Thile, supporting his compilation album Acoustic Recordings 1998–2016.

2016: Appearance on The Muppets

In 2016, Jack White appeared as a special guest on the season one finale of The Muppets, singing "You Are the Sunshine of My Life", which he later released on 7-inch vinyl.

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June 2017: Appearance in The American Epic Sessions

In June 2017, Jack White appeared in the documentary film The American Epic Sessions, recording on the first electrical sound recording system from the 1920s, showcasing his interest in music history and technology.

December 12, 2017: Release of "Servings and Portions from my Boarding House Reach" video

On December 12, 2017, Jack White released a four-minute video titled "Servings and Portions from my Boarding House Reach", which featured short sound bites of new music, generating anticipation for his upcoming album.

January 2018: Release of "Connected by Love"

In January 2018, Jack White released "Connected by Love", the first single from his third solo album Boarding House Reach, setting the stage for the album's release.

March 23, 2018: Release of Boarding House Reach

On March 23, 2018, Jack White released his third solo album, Boarding House Reach, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, continuing his streak of successful solo albums.

September 18, 2018: Donation to The Outsiders House Museum

On September 18, 2018, Jack White donated $30,000 to The Outsiders House Museum for its preservation and restoration, contributing to the preservation of cultural landmarks.

September 21, 2018: Release of Jack White: Kneeling at The Anthem D.C.

On September 21, 2018, Jack White released Jack White: Kneeling at The Anthem D.C., his first concert film as a solo artist, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, expanding his artistic portfolio.

2018: Reunion of The Raconteurs

In 2018, The Raconteurs reunited and released two singles, marking a return to the band's activities after a hiatus.

2018: Playing EVH Wolfgang Guitars

Since 2018, White has been playing EVH Wolfgang guitars, which are Eddie Van Halen's signature model.

2019: Release of Help Us Stranger by The Raconteurs

In 2019, The Raconteurs released their third studio album, Help Us Stranger, which was critically praised and supported by a US tour, signifying a successful comeback.

2020: Completion of Three-Wheel-Motion Low Rider

In 2020, White completed his Three-Wheel-Motion Low Rider, a highly customized Fender Telecaster B-Bender guitar.

October 2021: Release of "Taking Me Back"

In October 2021, Jack White released "Taking Me Back", his first solo single since 2018, which was featured in the video game Call of Duty: Vanguard.

November 2021: Announcement of two solo albums

In November 2021, Jack White announced his plans to release two solo albums in 2022: Fear of the Dawn and Entering Heaven Alive, showcasing different musical styles.

December 2021: Announcement of Supply Chain Issues Tour

In December 2021, Jack White announced the Supply Chain Issues Tour, which would cover North America, Europe, and Asia, showcasing his global reach.

January 18, 2022: Release of "Fear of the Dawn" single

On January 18, 2022, Jack White released the title track "Fear of the Dawn" as a single from his upcoming album, backed by a track from Entering Heaven Alive.

April 8, 2022: Release of Fear of the Dawn album and Onstage Wedding

On April 8, 2022, Jack White released his album Fear of the Dawn and kicked off his Supply Chain Issues Tour in Detroit, Michigan, where he also proposed to and married Olivia Jean onstage, combining personal and professional milestones.

November 11, 2022: Release of "Taking Me Back" video

On November 11, 2022, Jack White released a video for his song "Taking Me Back", further promoting the single.

February 24, 2023: End of Supply Chain Issues Tour

On February 24, 2023, Jack White concluded his Supply Chain Issues Tour in Aspen, Colorado, wrapping up a series of 103 shows across multiple continents.

February 25, 2023: Appearance on Saturday Night Live

On February 25, 2023, Jack White performed on Saturday Night Live, playing songs from his album Fear of the Dawn and receiving a jacket for being a Five-Timer on the show, showcasing his continued success and recognition.

July 19, 2024: Distribution of test pressings

On July 19, 2024, Jack White secretly included test pressings of his upcoming sixth solo album with purchases made at Third Man Records locations, creating anticipation and buzz for the new release. Select tracks premiered on WDET radio station the same day.

July 27, 2024: Commencement of the No Name Tour

On July 27, 2024, Jack White commenced the “No Name Tour”, featuring shows in small, club-like venues announced only days before they happened, adding an element of surprise and intimacy.

August 2, 2024: Release of No Name

On August 2, 2024, Jack White released his sixth solo album, No Name, which received acclaim for its return to blues and raw sound, reminiscent of his work with the White Stripes.

In September 2024, Jack White and Meg White reunited to file a copyright infringement lawsuit.

November 15, 2024: Announcement of the second leg of the No Name Tour

On November 15, 2024, Jack White announced the second leg of the No Name Tour, which would feature 52 higher-ticketed shows in another eight countries from November 17, 2024, to May 24, 2025, expanding the reach of his performances.

November 2024: Dropped Lawsuit

In November 2024, Jack White and Meg White dropped the copyright infringement lawsuit filed in September.

November 17, 2024: Start of the second leg of the No Name Tour

On November 17, 2024, Jack White began the second leg of the “No Name Tour”, continuing his performances in various countries and venues.

December 14, 2024: High ticket sales for the No Name Tour

As of December 14, 2024, all but 5 of Jack White's 2025 tour dates for the "No Name Tour" had sold out, demonstrating his continued popularity and demand.

May 24, 2025: End of the second leg of the No Name Tour

On May 24, 2025, Jack White completed the second leg of the “No Name Tour”, concluding a series of performances that spanned multiple countries and venues.