Skip to content
the
white
stripes

Inducted:

2025

Category:

Performer

The White Stripes reinvigorated rock & roll by returning it to its primal blues roots, proving that a duo with defiant energy, catchy riffs, melodic savvy and unique style could captivate as much, if not more, than a large, complex ensemble. Both live and on record, mastermind multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Jack White and minimalist drummer Meg White crafted a sound greater than the sum of its parts, inspiring artists from multiple genres.

Impact

They had an insane chemistry, and Meg’s playing was incredibly instinctual, hypnotic and unique. We all knew they would be famous.

Corin Tucker

Sleater-Kinney

Signature Sound

The White Stripes’ sound began as stripped-down, late ‘90s punk-blues minimalism, with electric guitar, banshee vocals and primal beats. The ‘00s brought expanded arrangements, studio overdubbing, country folk influences and piano-driven songs. All eventually infused the anthemic, much-sampled, genre-defying “Seven Nation Army.”

The Big Three Killed My Baby

The White Stripes (1999)

Fell in Love With a Girl

White Blood Cells (2002)

We’re Going to Be Friends

White Blood Cells (2002)

Seven Nation Army

Elephant (2003)

My Doorbell

Get Behind Me Satan (2005)

One of the White Stripes’ only political songs, this primal rager critiques Detroit carmakers’ tactic of using planned obsolescence in manufacturing.

Influence

Influences

Son House

The Cramps

Loretta Lynn

Blind Willie McTell

The White Stripes

Influenced

Beyoncé

Arctic Monkeys

Olivia Rodrigo

St. Vincent

Karina Rykman

Meg Myers

Deap Vally

Alabama Shakes

more from
the hall