Iconic blues-rocker Jack White has just received an honorary doctorate degree, with the musician being honoured due to his philanthropic work.
For more than 20 years, Jack White has been one of the most recognisable figures in the world of rock music.
From his time with The White Stripes, to fronting names like The Raconteurs (or The Saboteurs, as they’re known in Australia) and The Dead Weather, and even his own solo career, he’s one prolific fellow.
However, in addition to his musical endeavours, the rocker has also managed to become something of a part-time philanthropist.
Using his power and funds to help support struggling buildings in his native Detroit, serving as a donor and board member of the National Recording Preservation Foundation, and even helping to save the house from the iconic film The Outsiders, Jack White has also seen his Third Man Records label help revitalise his city’s music scene.
Now, this work has been recognised in one of the best ways possible.
Check out Jack White receiving his honorary doctorate:
As Rolling Stone reports, Jack White has received the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, formally making him Dr. White.
Returning to Wayne State University, where he briefly attended back in 1994, White showed up at Friday’s graduation ceremony to receive this honour, giving a speech to the year’s graduates as well.
“As a teenager, I was a busboy in a restaurant in this building, so it’s nice to be back here for a different reason,” White explained, before noting how a screening of The Graduate in his film class helped to inspire his future direction as an artist.
“I had an epiphany that has stayed with me to this day: That not all of art and creation was by happy accident,” he added. “That much of it was done with purpose and it was not only okay to do this, but the fulfilment of creativity to be able to convey ideas and metaphors at every possible moment.”
“I learned more from [Citizen Kane] and that one scene in The Graduate, about expression and purpose, to last me a lifetime.”
Jack White recently wrapped up a tour of Australia, bringing his band The Saboteurs to Australia for their debut appearances as part of the 30th edition of Bluesfest. Check out our review of their first-ever Australian show here.
Check out ‘Over And Over And Over’ by Jack White:
