Jack White
Jack White is an American musician, Third Man Records label founder, record producer, Grammy winner in seven different categories, and what I believe to be the greatest living rockstar of our time.
After spearheading three incredible bands (The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather) and collaborating with a myriad of other artists including but not limited to Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Loretta Lynn, Neil Young and the band Danger Mouse he was named one of the 100 greatest guitarists by Rolling Stone Magazine. As examples of his exceptional guitar skills, listen intently to the electrifying leads of “Ball and Biscuit”, “You Don’t Know What Love Is”, and “Lazaretto.”
Part of his appeal comes from his singular ear for what notes sound good together, tied up loosely with some guitar strings and delivered through an electronic amplifier. He’ll even tear apart classic covers like Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” or Bob Dylan’s “Isis” to prove he can connect hard rock, blues, and roots music together with savage guitar riffs. “Seven Nation Army”, a track from the 2003 album Elephant, was infectious with a simple but ridiculously catchy melody. The idea of using a DigiTech Whammy pedal to create thunderous bass came from White; “Seven Nation Army” is still one of the few songs ever created where people will sing the melody instead of the actual words.
He is deliberately iconic and a unique weirdo when it comes to physical and musical style. Usually seen in all black with pale skin, accompanied by strange but simplistic hairstyles, Jack White makes his own records- playing his own instruments and writing his own song- as opposed to most of the stars of today’s music scene. Additionally, the lyrics creates are never transparent in meaning. With each repeated listen, the once cryptic verses reveal the most intellectually electric and candid snapshots of feeling.
He’s true to himself as a musician but also incredibly appreciative of his fans, making sure to create quality content as well as throwing in bonus tracks on vinyl copies and even having an artist etch designs into the Lazaretto vinyl. During live shows he’s always sure to old tricks with distortion and feedback on guitar, always making sure to entertain the crowd instead of just echo what was recorded in the studio.
So, is Jack White the greatest living rockstar of our time? Obviously.
Words by Mary Helen Josephine