The White Stripes

Early Years

The White Stripes were formed on July 14, 1997 in Detroit. They were a struggling local band for many years and released a number of singles with several independent record labels. Their self-titled first album was released in 1999 and described by Jack White at "...the most raw, the most powerful, and the most Detroit-sounding record we've made."

The next year, The White Stripes released their second album De Stijl, named after a Dutch minimalist art movement that inspired their approach to music. The album features the band's signature colors of red, white and black. It is unclear why The White Stripes chose these three colors. In some interviews, Jack claims they are colors found on children's toys, while other times he says it came from peppermint candy, and still more often he claims the number three represents a nice equilibrium.

Rise to Popularity

In 2001 The White Stripes released what would be their first significantly successful album, White Blood Cells. The simple garage rock sound was a huge hit in the UK and subsequently spread to the U.S. to make The White Stripes one of the most talked-about bands of the year.

One year later, Elephant was released to an even wider audience. It gained more acclaim and success than their previous album and made the Top 10 charts in both the U.S. and the UK. In 2004, the song Seven Nation Army won a Grammy for Best Rock Song. Seven Nation Army was subsequently remixed by a number of artists.

The White Stripes released a fifth album in North America in June 2005. Get Behind Me Satan has enjoyed as much success as previous albums and features the same stripped-down rock style The White Stripes are famous for.

The White Stripes Live

The band generally sticks to three instruments to compose all of their songs: drums, guitars and vocals, although an organ and piano have appeared in several albums and a marimba can be heard in Get Behind Me Satan. When The White Stripes perform live only the core three instruments are present.

The White Stripes also practice an unusual method for live shows: no set list, no rehearsals, and no touring members. Songs are often improvised and they may interrupt one song to begin another. This lavish setup accompanying the band's signature style leads many fans to believe The White Stripes will "save rock and roll".

The White Stripes

Jack White is a successful music producer in addition to his role in The White Stripes. He has helped launch several Detroit-based rock bands such as The Soledad.

On June 1, 2005, Jack married model Karen Elson during the band's tour of South America. The ceremony featured the band's manager and Meg White as a part of the celebration. The couple is currently expecting their first child.

In 2005 Rolling Stone magazine said: "If you happen to be a rock band, and you don't happen to be either of the White Stripes, it so sucks to be you right now."

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