John Anthony White is an American musician best known for his work as the vocalist and guitarist of the White Stripes, a prominent act in the 2000s garage rock resurgence. His unique musical style and eccentric persona have earned him critical acclaim, including 12 Grammy Awards. Rolling Stone has recognized his exceptional guitar skills, ranking him among the greatest guitarists of all time in both 2010 and 2023. He has been lauded as a prominent figure in contemporary rock music.
The Gibson L-1 acoustic guitar, dating back to 1915, was favored by Jack White. Often referred to as the Robert Johnson model, White began featuring this guitar on the Icky Thump album.
Jack White's mother, Teresa (née Bandyk), was born in 1930.
Jack White's collection includes a copy of the first Superman comic book from June 1938.
Elvis Presley made his first recording in 1953 at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, featuring the songs "My Happiness" and "That's When Your Heartaches Begin".
In 2007, while on tour in Texas, Jack White discovered a 1957 Gretsch G6134 White Penguin. This guitar, the same model used in the "Icky Thump" music video, became a staple for the Dead Weather.
In 1964, a vintage Airline guitar, the "JB Hutto" model, distributed by Montgomery Ward, was gaining popularity. Jack White's use of this guitar further boosted its fame, leading Eastwood Guitars to produce a replica around 2000.
On July 9, 1975, John Anthony Gillis, later known as Jack White, was born in Detroit, Michigan.
Jack White, as an altar boy, had an uncredited role in the 1987 film "The Rosary Murders."
SoundScan began tracking music sales in 1991, a system which Jack White's "Lazaretto" would later set a record in.
The record for most first-week vinyl sales that Jack White's "Lazaretto" broke in 2014 was previously set in 1991, highlighting the changing landscape of music consumption.
Jack White and Meg White were married on September 21, 1996, and he took her last name.
Jack White married Meg White in 1996, marking the beginning of their personal and professional relationship.
The Detroit band Goober & the Peas, for which Jack White played drums, broke up in 1996.
Jack White, along with Meg White, formed the White Stripes in 1997, marking the beginning of their influential musical journey.
Meg White began learning to play the drums in 1997, leading to the formation of The White Stripes with Jack White.
The White Stripes were signed by Dave Buick to Italy Records, a Detroit-based garage punk label, in 1998.
The White Stripes released their self-titled debut album in 1999, marking their official entrance into the music industry.
Jack and Meg White officially divorced on March 24, 2000. Jack adopted Meg's last name as his own.
Around 2000, Eastwood Guitars began producing a modified replica of the red "JB Hutto" Airline guitar, a model made popular in part by Jack White's use of the instrument.
Jack White and Meg White divorced in 2000, after which they began publicly referring to each other as siblings.
In 2001, The New York Times published a concert review of The White Stripes. Ann Powers, the reviewer, acknowledged Jack White's inventive playing style but noted that he intentionally used unconventional methods, like covering his acoustic guitar's sound hole with paper and employing a less refined electric guitar, to achieve his sound.
In 2001, critics and fans began debating the authenticity of Jack White's persona, questioning whether his eccentricity was genuine or calculated.
Jack White co-founded Third Man Records with Ben Swank in 2001.
The White Stripes achieved international recognition with their album "White Blood Cells" in 2001, establishing them as major figures in the garage rock revival.
The White Stripes released "White Blood Cells" in 2001, garnering critical acclaim and propelling them to the forefront of the garage band revival.
The Detroit Free Press published copies of Jack and Meg White's marriage license and divorce certificate in 2002, contradicting their claim of being siblings.
The White Stripes received widespread critical acclaim in 2002, solidifying their status as a leading force in the garage rock revival.
On December 13, 2003, Jack White was involved in a physical altercation with Jason Stollsteimer, the lead singer of the Von Bondies, at the Magic Stick club in Detroit. This incident led to White being charged with misdemeanor aggravated assault, to which he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of assault and battery. He received a fine of $750 and was ordered to attend anger management classes.
Jack White appeared in the films "Cold Mountain" and "Coffee and Cigarettes" in 2003.
Jack White began dating actress Renée Zellweger in 2003 after meeting on the set of the film "Cold Mountain". That summer, White broke his finger in a car accident with Zellweger, leading to tour reschedulings.
Rumors of Jack White collaborating with Electric Six on their song "Danger! High Voltage" began to surface in 2003. Both White and Electric Six denied his involvement, officially crediting the vocals to John S O'Leary. However, members of Electric Six later claimed White contributed but was not compensated.
The White Stripes released their commercially and critically successful album "Elephant" in 2003.
Jack White and actress Renée Zellweger's relationship ended, with the news becoming public in December 2004.
In 2004, Jack White took on the role of producer for Loretta Lynn's album "Van Lear Rose." Beyond producing, he also lent his musical talents to the album. The collaboration proved to be a resounding success, garnering critical acclaim and achieving commercial success.
"Seven Nation Army," from The White Stripes' album "Elephant," won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song in 2004, solidifying its place as their signature song.
Jack White and British model Karen Elson wed on June 1, 2005, in a shaman-officiated ceremony on the Amazon River in Manaus, Brazil.
During a 2005 tour in the UK, Jack White began referring to himself as "Three Quid," incorporating his affinity for the number three and British slang.
For the White Stripes' 2005 single "Blue Orchid," Jack White incorporated an Electro-Harmonix Polyphonic Octave Generator (POG) into his setup. This allowed him to blend multiple octave effects with the original guitar signal.
In 2005, Jack White's collaboration with Brendan Benson blossomed into the formation of a new band, The Raconteurs. Joined by Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler, they began recording their debut album in Detroit.
In a 2005 interview on "60 Minutes," Jack White discussed his early life and how he almost became a priest before choosing a different path.
In a 2005 interview, Jack White suggested that the decision to portray himself and Meg as siblings was intentional, aimed at shifting the focus from their relationship to their music.
Jack White continued to explore different musical avenues by forming The Raconteurs in 2005 with Brendan Benson, showcasing his versatility and collaborative spirit.
Jack White married model and singer Karen Elson in 2005.
In 2006, Jack White addressed the conflicts he experienced within the Detroit music scene following the international success of The White Stripes. He revealed his decision to leave Detroit due to the negativity he faced. However, he clarified his love for his hometown through his poem "Courageous Dream's Concern," expressing his enduring affection for the city.
Jack White and Karen Elson welcomed their daughter in 2006.
The Raconteurs, Jack White's new band, released their debut album, "Broken Boy Soldiers," in 2006. The album was both a critical and commercial success, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album and spawning the hit single "Steady, As She Goes." They toured extensively in support of the album, even opening for music legend Bob Dylan for eight shows.
Jack White began using a 1957 Gretsch G6134 White Penguin, a guitar he discovered while on tour in Texas. This guitar was featured in the music video for "Icky Thump."
Karen Elson gave birth to their son in 2007.
Jack White portrayed Elvis Presley in the 2007 satirical film "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story".
In 2007, The White Stripes released their sixth studio album, "Icky Thump," marking a return to their blues and garage rock roots. The album was a commercial success, debuting at number two on the US Billboard 200 and reaching number one in the UK. The band embarked on a Canadian tour, performing in every province and territory, but unfortunately had to cancel several dates due to Meg White's struggles with anxiety.
During the White Stripes' 2007 tour, Jack White played a custom-finish Hammond A-100 organ with a Leslie 3300 speaker. This organ was later loaned to Bob Dylan and now resides at Third Man Studios.
Despite the public revelation of their past marriage, Jack White continued to refer to Meg White as his sister in interviews, including in the 2007 documentary "Under Great White Northern Lights".
During The Raconteurs' 2008 tour, Jack White had Analog Man apply a copper plating to all of his pedals, further solidifying his preference for unique and visually distinctive equipment.
In 2008, Jack White collaborated with Alicia Keys on "Another Way to Die," the theme song for the James Bond film "Quantum of Solace," marking a significant moment in his career.
In 2008, Jack White's band, The Raconteurs, released their second studio album, "Consolers of the Lonely." The album featured the single "Salute Your Solution" and achieved both commercial success and a Grammy nomination. It was during the tour for this album that White's connection with Alison Mosshart, who would later become his bandmate in The Dead Weather, began to solidify.
Jack White collaborated with Alicia Keys in 2008 on the song "Another Way to Die," which served as the theme song for the James Bond film "Quantum of Solace." This high-profile collaboration showcased White's versatility and ability to blend his signature style with other artists.
On February 20, 2009, The White Stripes made their much-anticipated return to the stage after a hiatus following their canceled tour dates. This marked their first live performance since the cancellations. Additionally, a documentary chronicling their Canadian tour, "The White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights," premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Jack White's newest band, The Dead Weather, debuted new songs in Nashville on March 11, 2009, giving fans a taste of their forthcoming debut album.
The Dead Weather released their debut album, "Horehound," in Europe on July 13, 2009, marking the band's first full-length release.
A day after its European release, The Dead Weather's debut album, "Horehound," hit shelves in North America on July 14, 2009, generating significant buzz and anticipation among fans.
In October 2009, Alison Mosshart, vocalist for The Dead Weather, confirmed that the band was already halfway done with recording their second album, signaling a continued creative partnership between her and Jack White.
Jack White donated nearly $170,000 to renovate a baseball diamond at Clark Park in Detroit in 2009.
Jack White purchased a space in Nashville for Third Man Records in 2009, establishing a physical headquarters for the label.
For the Dead Weather's 2009 Full Flash Blank tour, Jack White utilized a custom Ludwig Classic Maple drum kit featuring a unique drumhead with an image of the Three Brides of Dracula.
Expanding his musical horizons, Jack White teamed up with Alison Mosshart of The Kills to form The Dead Weather in 2009, further demonstrating his creative drive.
The Dead Weather dropped their new single, "Die by the Drop," on March 30, 2010, giving fans a taste of their upcoming second album and building anticipation for its release.
On August 11, 2010, Jack White released "Fly Farm Blues" as a 7-inch vinyl record and a digital single. The song, recorded in just ten minutes during the filming of the documentary "It Might Get Loud," showcased White's musical prowess and spontaneity.
In November 2010, it was revealed that Jack White had joined forces with producer Danger Mouse and singer Norah Jones for a collaborative album project with Italian composer Daniele Luppi.
In 2010, Jack White was included in Rolling Stone's list of the greatest guitarists of all time, solidifying his influence on rock music.
With the release of the Dead Weather's album "Sea of Cowards" in 2010, Jack White introduced a new drumhead for his custom Ludwig kit. This drumhead showcased an image of Harry Lime, "The Third Man," trying to escape through the Vienna sewers.
In 2010, Jack White added a third Gretsch Rancher Falcon to his collection, this one adorned with an image of Veronica Lake. This blonde guitar joined his collection of "girlfriends," each named after a classic movie star.
Rolling Stone magazine included Jack White in their 2010 list of "The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time", ranking him at number 70.
After much speculation and anticipation for new releases, The White Stripes officially announced their disbandment on February 2, 2011. Jack White emphasized that the decision was not driven by health issues or creative differences but rather a desire to preserve the band's legacy and the special qualities that made them unique.
Jack White and Karen Elson announced their separation in June 2011, marking the event with a celebratory party.
Jack White completed and performed the song "You Know That I Know" for "The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams," released on October 4, 2011. This project paid tribute to the legendary country music icon.
Jack White was given the title of "Nashville Music City Ambassador" by Nashville mayor Karl Dean in 2011.
On January 30, 2012, Jack White released "Love Interruption," the debut single from his highly anticipated solo album, "Blunderbuss."
Jack White's debut solo album, "Blunderbuss," was released on April 24, 2012, marking a significant milestone in his career.
In 2012, The New York Times dubbed Jack White "the coolest, weirdest and savviest rockstar of our time," highlighting his unique persona and musical impact.
Jack White appeared in a 2012 episode of the television show "Portlandia." The sketch humorously portrayed home studio recording enthusiasts and their fondness for vintage equipment.
It was revealed in June 2013 that Jack White had paid the $142,000 in back taxes owed by the Detroit Masonic Temple, saving it from foreclosure. The temple subsequently renamed its second largest theater in his honor.
A Nashville judge issued a restraining order against Jack White on July 22, 2013, limiting his contact with Karen Elson to interactions related to their children.
Jack White filed a counter-motion on August 2, 2013, in response to the restraining order, denying allegations of violence and expressing his desire to protect his image.
Jack White and Karen Elson's divorce was finalized on November 26, 2013.
On Black Friday in 2013, Third Man Records expanded their offerings by launching the Bumble Buzz pedal. This octave fuzz pedal, built for Third Man by Union Tube and Transistor in Vancouver, quickly became a part of Jack White's signature sound.
Jack White and Karen Elson divorced in 2013.
In 2013, during his divorce proceedings with Karen Elson, an email from Jack White containing negative comments about The Black Keys was submitted as evidence.
On April 1, 2014, Jack White announced his second solo album, "Lazaretto", inspired by his early writings.
"Lazaretto", Jack White's second solo album, was released on June 10, 2014, along with its first single, "High Ball Stepper".
On July 30, 2014, Jack White performed his longest concert to date at the Detroit Masonic Temple.
In a 2014 Rolling Stone interview, Jack White addressed the email from his divorce proceedings, in which he made disparaging remarks about The Black Keys. He stood by his statements, expressing his belief that The Black Keys imitated his music.
Jack White's second solo album, "Lazaretto," released in 2014, broke the record for the most first-week vinyl sales since 1991, demonstrating his significant influence on the resurgence of vinyl records.
The Raconteurs went on a hiatus in 2014, leaving the future of the band uncertain.
In 2014, Premier Guitar reviewed the Bumble Buzz pedal, an octave fuzz pedal launched by Third Man Records and used by Jack White.
In January 2015, Jack White anonymously purchased Elvis Presley's first recording for $300,000 in an online auction.
On February 1, 2015, the University of Oklahoma's student newspaper, The OU Daily, published Jack White's tour rider, which included specific requests like a guacamole recipe and a ban on bananas backstage. The publication caused media attention and led to White's booking agency, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, temporarily banning its artists from performing at the university. White responded with an open letter, clarifying that the guacamole recipe was an inside joke and the banana ban was due to a band member's allergies. He criticized the journalists who sensationalized the story and forgave The OU Daily, expressing his continued fondness for Oklahoma.
It was revealed in the March 6, 2015 edition of Billboard magazine that Jack White was the buyer of Elvis Presley's first recording, a 1953 acetate featuring "My Happiness" and "That's When Your Heartaches Begin".
Third Man Records, co-founded by Jack White, joined the music streaming service TIDAL in March 2015. Later that year, White partnered with Shinola to open a retail store in Detroit.
Jack White announced on April 14, 2015, that his Coachella performances would be his last electric sets, followed by a short acoustic tour before a break from live performances.
Jack White headlined the Coachella Festival over two weekends in April 2015.
In May 2015, it was announced that Jack White, along with Loretta Lynn, would be honored with a medallion on the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville.
In July 2015, The Dead Weather announced their third studio album, "Dodge & Burn," set for release in September through Third Man Records.
In September 2015, a public dispute erupted between Jack White and Patrick Carney, the drummer of The Black Keys, stemming from previous comments made by White. Carney alleged on Twitter that White had attempted to fight him at a bar. White denied these claims in a statement to Pitchfork, suggesting Carney should address him directly. Subsequently, Carney tweeted that he had spoken with White and that all was resolved. White echoed this sentiment, expressing his respect for Carney.
Jack White joined Nashville's Gender Equality Council in July 2016.
Jack White criticized then-presidential candidate Donald Trump's use of the White Stripes song "Seven Nation Army" in his campaign materials and released "Icky Trump" shirts as a counter-protest.
Jack White appeared on "A Prairie Home Companion" on October 15, 2016, to promote his album "Acoustic Recordings 1998–2016".
Jack White made a guest appearance on the season one finale of "The Muppets" in 2016, performing "You Are the Sunshine of My Life".
On February 8, 2017, Jack White was celebrated by the Producers and Engineers Wing of the Recording Academy for his commitment to maintaining the quality and integrity of recorded music.
In June 2017, Jack White appeared in the documentary "The American Epic Sessions", recording on vintage equipment from the 1920s.
On December 12, 2017, Jack White released a video teasing his upcoming album "Boarding House Reach".
Jack White released "Connected by Love", a single from his upcoming album "Boarding House Reach", in January 2018.
Jack White's third solo album, "Boarding House Reach", was released on March 23, 2018.
On September 18, 2018, Jack White donated $30,000 to support the preservation and restoration of The Outsiders House Museum.
Jack White's first concert film as a solo artist, "Jack White: Kneeling at The Anthem D.C.", was released on September 21, 2018, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
Jack White's release of "Taking Me Back" in 2021 marked the end of a period without solo singles since 2018.
Beginning in 2018, Jack White started using EVH Wolfgang guitars, the signature model of guitarist Eddie Van Halen.
After a period of hiatus, The Raconteurs reunited in 2018, signaling a return to making music together.
Wayne State University awarded Jack White an honorary doctor of humane letters degree on May 3, 2019, recognizing his contributions to the arts and his hometown of Detroit.
Jack White performed at a Bernie Sanders presidential campaign rally at Cass Technical High School on October 27, 2019, publicly endorsing Sanders and expressing his support for the abolition of the Electoral College.
In 2019, The Raconteurs, back in action, released their third studio album, "Help Us Stranger." The album was well-received by critics and was followed by a US tour, demonstrating the band's enduring appeal and their commitment to connecting with fans through live performances.
In 2020, Jack White finished his Three-Wheel-Motion Low Rider, a heavily modified Fender Telecaster B-Bender guitar, showcasing his continued exploration of custom guitar designs.
Jack White publicly endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders for the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries.
"Taking Me Back", Jack White's first solo single since 2018, was released in October 2021 and featured in the video game "Call of Duty: Vanguard".
Jack White announced his Supply Chain Issues Tour in December 2021, covering North America, Europe, and Asia.
The record set by Jack White's "Lazaretto" for the most first-week vinyl sales was surpassed in 2021, indicating the continued growth and evolution of the music industry.
Jack White released the title track from his upcoming album "Fear of the Dawn" as a single on January 18, 2022.
Jack White released his album "Fear of the Dawn" on April 8, 2022, the same day he kicked off his Supply Chain Issues Tour in Detroit, Michigan.
On November 20, 2022, Jack White publicly criticized Elon Musk's decision to reinstate Donald Trump's Twitter account. He called the move "absolutely disgusting" and "an asshole move."
Jack White married musician Olivia Jean in 2022.
Jack White's Supply Chain Issues Tour concluded on February 24, 2023, in Aspen, Colorado.
Jack White performed on "Saturday Night Live" on February 25, 2023, marking his fifth appearance on the show.
Jack White was once again included in Rolling Stone's updated list of the greatest guitarists of all time in 2023, reaffirming his lasting legacy in the music industry.