By Fatma Younis
Jack White, the frontman of The White Stripes, has shared a moving tribute to his older brother, Edward "Eddie" Gillis, following his passing. Gillis died on Saturday after a difficult battle with cancer.
A dedicated professional and creative soul
Edward Gillis served as the manager of the vinyl pressing plant in Detroit, Michigan, for White’s Third Man Records for 10 years. During his tenure, he oversaw the production of hundreds of thousands of records for various artists. Beyond his professional role in the music industry, Gillis was an acclaimed pastry chef who managed kitchens and bake shops for the Ritz Carlton hotel and Beaumont Hospital. He was also known for his creativity, often crafting small sculptures and flowers from vinyl scraps at the pressing plant.
Reflections on a lifelong bond
In a statement shared on Instagram, White described his brother as a caring, funny, and generous person who was beloved by many. He remembered Gillis's musical influence, noting that his brother was the family's guitarist during their youth. White also reflected on the personal lessons learned from his sibling, ranging from how to string a guitar to how to fish on the Detroit River.
Gillis is survived by his wife, Angie, and two children, Amelia and Garrett. White, the youngest of ten children, expressed his grief while noting his relief that his brother is now at peace.
