Childhood and Education Journey of Jack White in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Jack White. A timeline of key moments.

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

1930: Birth of Teresa Bandyk

Teresa Bandyk, Jack White's mother, was born in 1930.

June 1938: First Appearance of Superman

Jack White collects ephemera like Action Comics 1 featuring the first appearance of Superman from June 1938.

1957: Gretsch G6134 White Penguin Released

In 1957 the Gretsch G6134 White Penguin was released. Jack White later finds one from 1957 in 2007 while on tour in Texas.

July 9, 1975: John Anthony Gillis Born

John Anthony Gillis was born on July 9, 1975, in Detroit, Michigan, to Teresa and Gorman M. Gillis.

1987: Uncredited Role in 'The Rosary Murders'

In 1987, Jack White had an uncredited role as an altar boy in the movie The Rosary Murders, which was filmed at Most Holy Redeemer parish in Detroit.

September 21, 1996: Marriage to Meg White

On September 21, 1996, Jack White married Meg White and took her last name.

1996: Marriage to Meg White

In 1996, White married bandmate Meg White. Jack took Meg's last name, legally changing his surname.

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.

2000: Divorce from Meg White

White was married to Meg White from 1996 to 2000.

2005: "Three Quid"

During the White Stripes' 2005 tour in the UK, White began referring to himself as "Three Quid"—"quid" being British slang for pound sterling.

2005: Seminary Plans and Musical Path

In 2005, Jack White mentioned on 60 Minutes that he was accepted to a seminary in Wisconsin but chose public school due to a new amplifier.

2005: Marriage to Karen Elson

White married British model and singer Karen Elson in 2005, after she starred in the White Stripes' music video for "Blue Orchid".

2006: Interview with the Associated Press

In 2006, Jack White mentioned in an interview with the Associated Press the conflicts that erupted between him and fellow artists in Detroit after the White Stripes' success. He stated he left Detroit due to the negativity but clarified his feelings with a poem.

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".

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.

2010: Acquisition of Veronica Lake Gretsch Rancher Falcon

In 2010, while with the Dead Weather, White added Veronica Lake, the blonde Gretsch Rancher Falcon, to his collection of "girlfriends", as he calls his three Gretsch Rancher Falcons.

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: Divorce from Karen Elson

From 2005 to 2013, White was married to British model and singer Karen Elson.

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.

January 2015: Purchase of Elvis Presley's First Recording

In January 2015, White purchased Elvis Presley's first recording ever—an acetate of the two cover songs "My Happiness" and "That's When Your Heartaches Begin"—for $300,000.

March 6, 2015: Billboard announcement of Elvis recording buyer

On March 6, 2015, Billboard magazine announced that White had been the buyer of Elvis Presley's first recording ever.

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.

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.

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.

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.

May 3, 2019: Honorary doctorate from Wayne State University

On May 3, 2019, Wayne State University of Detroit, Michigan, awarded Jack White with an honorary doctor of humane letters degree for his dedication to Detroit and significant contributions to the arts.

October 27, 2019: Endorsement of Bernie Sanders at Cass Technical High School

On October 27, 2019, White publicly endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders for the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries and performed a six-song set at a Sanders event at Cass Technical High School.

2020: Bernie Sanders Support

In 2020, Jack White publicly endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders for president.

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.

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.

2022: Marriage to Olivia Jean

White married American musician Olivia Jean in 2022.

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.