Megan Martha White is an American drummer and occasional singer known for her work with Jack White in the Detroit rock duo The White Stripes. Her music career began when, on an impulse, she played on Jack's drums in 1997. Jack was deeply inspired by her minimalist and un-schooled drumming style. The two decided to form a band and began performing two months later. The duo named themselves The White Stripes because of their last name and Meg's fondness for peppermint candy. The band quickly became a Detroit underground favorite before reaching national, then international fame. White has been nominated for various awards as a part of the White Stripes, and has received four Grammy Awards.
Her drumming style has been called "primal" for its simplicity, and has drawn both praise and criticism. Her musical influences are wide and varied, with Bob Dylan being her favorite artist.
White calls herself "very shy", and has kept a low public profile. Meg and Jack White publicly portrayed themselves as siblings. However, public records emerged in 2001 that indicated Meg and Jack were not related and in fact had married in 1996, prior to the band's formation. They divorced in 2000, before The White Stripes ascended to international fame. In 2009, she married guitarist Jackson Smith, son of musicians Patti Smith and Fred "Sonic" Smith. They divorced in 2013.
While on tour in support for The White Stripes' sixth studio album, Icky Thump, White suffered a bout of acute anxiety, and the remaining dates of the tour were cancelled. After a few public appearances, and a hiatus from recording, The White Stripes announced in February 2011 that they would be disbanding. White has not been active in the music industry since.
Wikipedia
“I was able to afford a car that didn't break down every five minutes.”
When asked what she did with her first royalty check
Epstein, Daniel (2004). "The White Stripes - Coffee and Cigarettes" http://suicidegirls.com/words/White+Stripes+for+Coffee+and+Cigarettes/ SuicideGirls.com (accessed June 6, 2006)
On what's wrong with Detroit
Andrew Perry (13 November 2004). "What's eating Jack?" http://www.theguardian.com/music/2004/nov/14/popandrock.thewhitestripes, TheGuardian.com (accessed October 24, 2014)
“We've never had problems. We love each other, understand each other, and get past anything.”
On her relationship with Jack White
Frampton, Scott (July 2007), "Jack & Meg White". Esquire. 148 (1):118-119
Perry, Andrew (2004). "The White Stripes uncut" http://observer.guardian.co.uk/omm/story/0,,1349947,00.html ObserverGuardian.co.uk (access June 6, 2006)
On deciding to end the Elephant tour when they did
Jarmusch, Jim (2003). "The White Stripes: getting to know the most interesting band in music today" http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1285/is_4_33/ai_100572738/pg_4 FindArticles.com (accessed June 6, 2006)
When asked does she miss having a bass player in the band
Loder, Kurt (date unknown). "The White Stripes - At the Zoo with Kurt Loder" http://www.mtv.com/bands/w/white_stripes/news_feature_060603/ MTV.com (accessed June 6, 2006)
Cameron, Keith (March 28, 2003), "The sweetheart deal" http://www.theguardian.com/music/2003/mar/29/artsfeatures.popandrock. The Guardian. Retrieved December 15, 2014.
“I wasn't brought up with any religion, actually.”
Gross, Terry (2005) Fresh Air: "A White-Striped Trip: 'Get Behind Me Satan'" http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4696110 NPR.org (accessed June 6, 2006)
