Iconic Rock Guitarist Names His Pick For 'The Greatest Country Song of All Time'
Jack White is one of the most emblematic figures of 2000s rock music.
Coming to prominence with his band The White Stripes, White ushered in a lot of the raw, loud, unpolished sound that the 2000s would be known for. The band was a scrappy, unfiltered, and exciting success that cemented them as one of the iconic groups of the era.
In a post-White-Stripes-world, White has had a lengthy solo career where he still innovates on rock music to this day. With his efforts over the years, he has undoubtedly cemented himself as an icon of the genre.
What a lot of people might not know about White is that he is also someone who is deeply rooted within American music as a whole. White is an avid music collector, owning Elvis Presley's first recordings ever, James Brown's drivers license, and Lead Belly's New York City arrest record. He is a student of musical history, and has a reach far beyond rock music.
That's why I wasn't surprised to see White be so knowledgeable with country music in this video below. White was asked to give his pick for the greatest country song of all time, to which he gave two answers.
@axstv Jack White reveals his favorite country song of all time 🎶 jackwhite whitestripes country countrymusic
♬ original sound - AXS TV - AXS TV
"Cold, Cold Heart" by Hank Williams, and "Don't Come Home A-Drinkin'" by Loretta Lynn. Both great and foundational songs to country music as whole. Both artists helped to shape the popular sound of the genre and expanded the songwriting associated with country music.
Fans took to the comments to share some of their picks for the greatest country song ever:
"Wichita Lineman. No contest. Ode to the American blue collar worker."
"'If You See Me Getting Smaller,' Waylon Jennings."
"I agree….Hank Williams and Loretta Lynn…..but I love 'Wichita Lineman.'"
It's great to see our favorite artists be fans just like us. Country music has a wealth of great hits, and everyone will have their own favorite, just like Jack White.
Related: Fans Are Rediscovering a Country Legend Counted Among Bob Dylan's 'Favorite Songwriters'
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This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 7:05 PM.