Tunes Du Jour Presents Jack White

by with No Comment Uncategorized

From his groundbreaking work with The White Stripes to his successful solo career, Jack White has consistently pushed the boundaries of what rock music can be, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase along the way.

The White Stripes, formed by Jack and Meg White in 1997, catapulted Jack to stardom with their raw, stripped-down sound. Songs like “Seven Nation Army,” “Fell in Love with a Girl,” and “Hotel Yorba” showcased White’s exceptional guitar skills and songwriting prowess. The duo’s unique blend of garage rock, blues, and punk influences created a sound that was both familiar and refreshingly original. Their ability to create massive, arena-filling anthems with just two instruments was nothing short of revolutionary.

As White’s career progressed, he demonstrated his versatility by forming The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather, as well as launching a successful solo career. Songs like “Steady, As She Goes” with The Raconteurs and solo tracks like “Lazaretto” and “Sixteen Saltines” further cemented his status as one of rock’s most innovative artists. His collaborations with other musicians, such as Alicia Keys on “Another Way to Die” for the James Bond film Quantum of Solace, showcased his ability to work across genres and bring his unique style to diverse projects.

Throughout his career, White has received numerous accolades for his contributions to music. He has won multiple Grammy Awards, including three for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal with The White Stripes. His solo work has also been critically acclaimed, with his albums consistently topping charts and earning praise for their creativity and musicianship. Beyond his musical achievements, White has been recognized for his efforts to preserve and promote vinyl records through his label, Third Man Records, which has played a significant role in the vinyl revival of recent years. In addition to his musical endeavors, Jack White has been involved in various philanthropic efforts. He has supported music education initiatives and worked to preserve historical recordings and musical artifacts. Through the Third Man Records label, he has also provided opportunities for up-and-coming artists and helped to keep traditional recording techniques alive. White’s commitment to his craft and his community serves as an inspiration to musicians and music lovers alike, solidifying his place not just as a rock star, but as a guardian of musical heritage.

Follow Tunes Du Jour on Facebook

Follow Tunes Du Jour on Twitter

Follow me on Instagram

Jack + me 1069915_10151751737788582_422945744_n

I Prefer The Seven Nation Army

by with No Comment playlists

Every December the Salvation Army mails me at least a half-dozen solicitations for a financial donation. Every year I write on the envelopes “RETURN TO SENDER. I DON’T CONDONE BIGOTRY,” and yet they continue to ask for my money.

Perhaps you’ve heard that the Salvation Army has a history of homophobia. Google “Salvation Army homophobia” and read about people allegedly turned away by the charity due to their perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, people allegedly fired from the organization for their sexual orientation, efforts made by the Army to keep LGBT people from having the same rights as their non-LGBT neighbors, allegations of a hostile work environment, their efforts to not be subject to anti-discrimination laws, and bell-ringers refusing donations from people who support LGBT equality. Their explanation has been that they’re a Christian organization, and you know what the Bible says about charity and thy neighbor and minorities in the workplace.

On the surface, the organization appears to have tempered some of their views about LGBT citizens over time. However, there are many organizations that help people in need who have no public record that needs defending. My charitable donations go to them.

So why am I bringing up the Salvation Army today? It’s not because I’m doing my holiday shopping now. Hanukkah doesn’t begin until early December; therefore, Hanukkah shopping doesn’t begin until mid-December.

Jack + me 1069915_10151751737788582_422945744_n
Today is Jack White’s fortieth birthday. When he was a child he thought the Salvation Army was called the Seven Nation Army. As an adult, he used “Seven Nation Army” as a song title for his duo The White Stripes.

Here are twenty of Jack White’s finest moments.


Click here to like Tunes du Jour on Facebook.
Follow me on Twitter: @TunesDuJour

Jack + me 1069915_10151751737788582_422945744_n

In Which I Send Jack White A Copy Of “Muskrat Love”

by with One Comment playlists

Jack + me 1069915_10151751737788582_422945744_n

I met Jack White of The White Stripes, The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather at a barbecue a few years ago. He thought it was cool that I worked at Rhino Entertainment. He sold Rhino’s records at the store he had before his career as a musician took off. I told him I’d put together a care package of some Rhino releases for him. He told me he’d feel bad getting them for free. I told him it was fine and a few days later sent to him via his manager a package with a blues box set, the DVD of The Rutles’ made-for-television film All You Need Is Cash and a compilation entitled ‘70s Party Killers that included The Captain & Tennille, Starland Vocal Band and Dawn featuring Tony Orlando, among others. I don’t know if the package ever made it to him. Maybe the manager kept it for himself. Maybe the postal carrier stole it. Who wouldn’t want to own a compilation that featured “Muskrat Love,” “Afternoon Delight” and “Tie a Yellow Ribbon ‘Round the Ole Oak Tree?” Those are the songs I think of when I think of Jack White. I mean that as a high compliment.

Today the tenth child of Teresa and Gorman Gillis, born John Anthony Gillis, turns 39 years old. As was the case with Beck yesterday and Ringo Starr the day before, the White Stripes offerings on Spotify are pretty slim. Nonetheless, I was able to cobble together this playlist of ten fine Jack White performances. I only hope that someday he covers “Muskrat Love.”

You can now like Tunes du Jour on Facebook! Click here.