Conan O’Brien best known as one of America’s favorite late-night TV hosts, surprised everyone by showcasing his musical talent at the Newport Folk Festival. With a guitar in his hands Conan performed a beautiful rendition of a song alongside the rock legend, Jack White, and it’s no wonder the clip has gone viral accumulating over 115K views on YouTube within a few days of upload.
Conan and Jack share an incredible chemistry. As the video begins, Jack reveals they’ve been friends for “years” before casually gifting Conan a megalodon tooth—yes, you read that right—sparking laughter throughout the audience as Conan contemplates the quirky gift and sets it aside. The duo then launches into their cover of “We’re Going To Be Friends,” by the band ‘The White Stripes.’ The video instantly became a v iral hit as it resonated deeply with the audience.
Jack White & Conan O’Brien – We’re Going To Be Friends – Newport Folk Festival 2024
Jack kicks off the first verse before Conan joins in, singing and fingerpicking on his acoustic guitar, wowing the crowd with his musical talent. He brings a country flair to the song, while Jack’s vocals pull it back into indie rock territory. The song choice is perfect for the folk fest, rich in storytelling, childhood nostalgia, and the laid-back vibes of a lazy school morning—a stark contrast to The White Stripes’ usual grunge and indie rock hits.
The Michigan-born singer and guitarist Jack White (aged 49) hardly looks a day over 30, while Conan (61) comes across like a cool dad jamming with his son.
David Bowie Performs A Song Written By Conan | Late Night with Conan O’Brien
Conan has long been known for featuring standout artists on his late-night shows, and over the years, he’s shared the stage with various music legends, including Bruce Springsteen and David Bowie. He hosted “Late Night with Conan O’ Brien,” “The Tonight Show with Conan O’ Briean,” and “Conan” before turning to podcasting with “Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend,” as well as starring in the 2024 travel series, “Conan O’Brien Must Go.”
Jack White, meanwhile, released his first album with The White Stripes in 1999, achieving the band’s smash hit “Seven Nation Army” on their fourth album in 2003. Since the band’s split in 2011, Jack has released six solo albums, most recently the record “No Name,” which dropped in July 2024.