Jack was born Eugene Joseph White, in Liverpool, on 2nd December 1905 and, at the tender age of three, he played the concertina at his grandfather's funeral! He played this instrument throughout his childhood, even doing gigs — singing to his own accompaniment. He had no intention of turning professional, therefore upon leaving school he became a motor mechanic. His enthusiasm for music remained, however, and he took up the drums, later learning the alto-saxophone, tuition for which was paid for by his mother. At the age of 19 he formed his own 'family band', having taught his father to play the drums and his brothers Jay and Tom to play saxophones. In 1926, the band won contests organised by Melody Maker and in 1928 was awarded the Jack Hylton Trophy, sponsored by Jack Hylton at the Embassy Ballroom, Liverpool.

There was a local school called St. Francis College and Collegiate School, thus the band became known as Jack White and his Collegians. The band turned professional in 1929, appearing at the Rialto Ballroom in Liverpool, its original signature tune being 'Collegiate'. In later broadcasting days, Jack changed his theme tune to 'Out of Nowhere'. After a long spell at the State Café, Liverpool, the band performed at the Plaza Ballroom, Manchester, the West End Ballroom, Birmingham, the Regent Ballroom, Brighton, and in 1935, the Hammersmith Palais. The original quintet had increased to six and then eight players.

When Jack's father died in 1930, the band's personnel were reshuffied and Tom became the drummer, a position which he held throughout Jack White's career. In an age when musicians were constantly moving from one band to another, it is truly amazing that several of Jack's 1935 band were still with him 20 years later.

In 1936, Jack White started what was intended to be a six week spell at the Astoria Dance Salon in London, whilst Joe Loss was away on tour, but he was retained as second band and remained there (apart from a few years' break for war service) until November 1957 — probably the longest residency in dance band history. By 1936, Jack White was broadcasting regularly and in late 1937 commenced recording for Parlophone and later, Regal-Zonophone. The title 'Collegians' was dropped in 1940 when they became No. 1 band opposite Syd Dean, at the same time increasing their personnel to twelve.

In 1941, Jack and his two brothers were called up, Jack joining the RAF on 12th May 1941. The band continued for some months and did quite a few editions of 'Music While You Work' under the direction of Jack Lennox before disbanding. Jack White was now in the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, eventually forming a ten-piece band which, believe it or not, actually included five of his Astoria musicians, amongst whom was his brother Jay. Soon after the war, Jack White and his Band re-established themselves as No. 1 band at the Astoria, playing opposite Harry Leader. Regular broadcasting resumed and, whilst Jack contributed to many different programmes, he is probably best remembered for 'Music While You Work', for which the band played 309 editions between 1940 and 1966. Available documentation shows that he had a very enthusiastic and loyal following amongst his listeners and by the mid-fifties was doing more broadcasts than any other bandleader in the country. His popularity was well justified as his brass section had a terrific 'punch', tempered with a beautiful, warm mellow saxophone section. The arrangements were stylishly done by Jack himself and the musicians always sounded as if they were enjoying themselves.

Jack White and his Band

A distinctive feature of the band was the unorthodox percussion style of Jack's brother Tom, particularly when using the wire brushes — and it didn't always meet with the approval of BBC producers who were probably looking for a more modern sound. The fact was that Jack didn't care for the modern trends in pop music and made little attempt to emulate them. In fact, the band's style in the sixties retained many of the characteristics of their records made in the 1930s.

It was unfortunate that the frequency of the band’s broadcasts, which was based on their popularity, attracted a certain amount of professional jealousy from bandleaders who had become famous in a wider sphere of dance music (big band swing etc.) but were not getting as many broadcasts. Jack White never tried to compete with anybody; he didn't try to recruit 'star' players, his only concern being that the musicians he used would give a polished performance of the repertoire. This fact, coupled with the obvious rapport between leader and players, must have accounted for the incredible stability of personnel over the years.

In November 1957, Jack White finally decided to leave the Astoria, hoping to get another residency elsewhere, but none was forthcoming and the band ceased to exist on a full-time basis. Despite this, broadcasts continued, for which he used most of the Astoria personnel, supplementing them with session men when required. BBC policy was such that full-time bands were given priority over those that were 'got together' just for radio and, as Jack now came into this category, his appearances became less frequent and, during the sixties, were confined to 'Music While You Work.'

Many will recall, with affection, the annual Christmas edition which consisted of community songs and music hall tunes. The musicians joined in, singing and cheering during some of the numbers, creating a wonderful atmosphere. Even in their 'normal' broadcasts Jack White's band sometimes forgot that they were on the air. I can recall sometimes hearing the sound of whistling and, on one occasion, a shared joke followed by raucous laughter!

Jack White's final broadcast was given on 23rd December 1966 and, being the cheerful Christmas show, was a fitting finale to his career. He then moved to the South Coast and set up a successful printing business.

A sad epilogue to the story is that Jack White, depressed at the way tuneful dance music had given way to crude 'beat and shout' pop music, chose to erase his career from his mind, destroying all his memorabilia and not wishing to meet anyone who might bring back memories. Apparently, in old age, he even refused to admit to having ever been a bandleader!

Jack White died on 25th June 1988 at the age of 82.

Listen to 'Music While You Work' played by Jack White and his Band
as broadcast circa. 1965.

Listen to 'Music While You Work' played by Jack White and his Band
as broadcast circa. 1964.

Listen to 'Music While You Work' played by Jack White and his Band
as broadcast on the BBC Light Programme at 3.31pm on 17th. November 1965.

Listen to 'Music While You Work' played by Jack White and his Band
as broadcast on 29th. June 1966.

MUSIC WHILE YOU WORK
on 29th June 1966
played by Jack White and his Band

And the Christmas special...

Listen to 'Music While You Work' played by Jack White and his Band
as broadcast on 24th. December 1963.

MUSIC WHILE YOU WORK
10.31 a.m. on 24th December 1963
played by Jack White and his Band

MUSIC WHILE YOU WORK at 3.45 p.m. on 5th April 1961
played by Jack White and his Band