How education and upbringing influenced the life of Jack White. A timeline of key moments.
John Anthony White, known professionally as Jack White, gained prominence as the guitarist and lead singer of The White Stripes. Following the band's breakup, he transitioned to a solo career, explored collaborative projects, and engaged in various business ventures. White has also produced music for other artists and played with bands such as The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather, solidifying his presence in rock music.
1930: Birth of Teresa Bandyk
In 1930, Teresa Bandyk, Jack White's mother, was born.
1987: Uncredited Movie Role
In 1987, Gillis had an uncredited role in the movie The Rosary Murders, as an altar boy.
September 21, 1996: Marriage to Meg White
On September 21, 1996, John Anthony Gillis married Meg White and legally took her last name.
1996: First Professional Gig and Band Split
In 1996, Jack White had his first professional gig as a drummer for the Detroit band Goober & the Peas, which later broke up.
1997: White Stripes Founded
In 1997, Jack White founded the White Stripes with Meg White in Detroit after moonlighting in several underground Detroit bands as a drummer.
1997: Meg Starts Drumming, White Stripes Formed
In 1997, Meg White began playing drums, which led to the couple forming The White Stripes.
2005: Referring to himself as "Three Quid"
During the White Stripes' 2005 tour in the UK, Jack White began referring to himself as "Three Quid".
2005: Reflected on Life Choices
In 2005, Jack White reflected on his life choices and revealed he almost went to a seminary to become a priest.
2006: Left Detroit Due to Negativity
In 2006, Jack White said he left Detroit because "he could not take the negativity anymore" after conflicts erupted with fellow artists following The White Stripes' international success.
2009: Donation to Clark Park Renovation
In 2009, Jack White donated almost $170,000 towards the renovation of the baseball diamond in Detroit's Clark Park.
February 2, 2011: White Stripes Disband
On February 2, 2011, the White Stripes announced their disbandment, citing the preservation of the band's beauty and specialness as the primary reason.
June 2013: Donation to Detroit Masonic Temple
In June 2013, Jack White footed the bill for the Detroit Masonic Temple's back taxes, preventing foreclosure. The temple renamed its second largest theater in his honor.
January 2015: Purchase of Elvis Presley's First Recording
In January 2015, Jack White was revealed as the buyer of Elvis Presley's first recording ever for $300,000.
March 6, 2015: Announcement of White as Buyer of Elvis's Recording
In its edition of March 6, 2015, Billboard magazine announced that Jack White had been the buyer of Elvis Presley's first recording.
July 2016: Joining Nashville's Gender Equality Council
In July 2016, Jack White joined Nashville's 45-member Gender Equality Council.
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.
May 3, 2019: Awarded Honorary Doctorate by Wayne State University
On May 3, 2019, Jack White was awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters degree by Wayne State University for his dedication to Detroit and contributions to the arts.
April 8, 2022: Release of Fear of the Dawn and Onstage Marriage
On April 8, 2022, Jack White released Fear of the Dawn, kicked off the Supply Chain Issues Tour in Detroit, and proposed to and married Olivia Jean onstage.