Guitarist Jack White names his favorite songs
uitar notes ever played, if not the greatest,” White said in Led Zeppelin: The Oral History of the World’s Greatest Rock Band about the track. White gave his all to try and understand the mechanics of the track, “I rewound it so many times that there was a fuck up on the tape before the guitar solo. Just that little section is so powerful, and it was powerful to me when I was five years old”.
White continued: “At a time when everyone thought the blues had been taken to its highest, hardest-hitting point, it turned out to not be the case. Page came along with Led Zeppelin and turned it up ten more notches… Led Zeppelin is the ultimate expression of the power of the blues”.
Jimmy Page concocted a blueprint that White has re-interpreted in his own style. His love of the Englishman is particularly evident in solo offerings such as ‘Blunderbuss’ and ‘High Ball Stepper’. Watch the bucket-list moment below for White when he was taught how to play the Led Zeppelin classic ‘Kashmir’.
Jack White has established himself as one of the most significant guitarists of our time. His work across various bands like The White Stripes, Raconteurs, and Dead Weather, as well as his solo projects, reflect his unparalleled talent as a musician. White’s distinct style of searing solos, raucous riffs, and gritty tone has solidified his position as a guitar hero in the modern era.
While White is recognized for his multifaceted career as a singer-songwriter, at his core, he identifies himself as a guitarist above all else. His reverence for the pioneers of the instrument, particularly Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, is evident in his music and interviews. White often praises Page for his unparalleled skill, citing him as a major source of inspiration.
Led Zeppelin holds a special place in White’s heart, as he considers them to be an immovable force in music. He has expressed his admiration for the band on numerous occasions, emphasizing their impact on his musical journey. According to White, a great Led Zeppelin track resonates with the same intensity and spontaneity as recordings by blues legend Blind Willie Johnson.
Despite performing alongside legends like Robert Plant and Jimmy Page on separate occasions, White’s most memorable experience was sharing the stage with Plant at Lollapalooza Argentina in 2015. The duo delivered a captivating performance of Zeppelin’s ‘The Lemon Song’, allowing White to temporarily step into the shoes of his idol, Jimmy Page.
White’s deep admiration for Led Zeppelin’s music is evident in his own work, with tracks like ‘Whole Lotta Love’ serving as a testament to Page’s lasting influence. White considers Page’s guitar work on the iconic track to be among the greatest in rock ‘n’ roll history, showcasing his profound respect for the English rockers.
Through his music, White pays tribute to the legacy of Led Zeppelin, acknowledging the band’s ability to push the boundaries of blues music to new heights. He views Led Zeppelin as the ultimate expression of the power of the blues, a sentiment that he incorporates into his own unique musical style.
In songs like ‘Blunderbuss’ and ‘High Ball Stepper’, White channels Page’s innovative spirit, reinterpreting his musical blueprint in a way that reflects his own artistic vision. His ongoing quest to understand and unravel the complexities of Led Zeppelin’s music is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the craft of guitar playing.