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2025 Jack White
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2026 Innovation Award Recipient
2013 Pete Townshend
2012 Steve Vai
2011 Lindsey Buckingham
2008 Ray Benson
2007 Al Kooper
2006 Steve Miller
2005 David Byrne
2004 Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
2003 Bruce Springsteen
2002 Robbie Robertson
2001 Steely Dan
2000 Paul McCartney
1999 Sting
1998 Neil Young
1997 Stevie Wonder
1996 Brian Wilson
1995 Alan Parsons
1994 Herbie Hancock
1993 Peter Gabriel
1992 Bob Clearmountain
1991 Bob Ludwig
Singer, songwriter and guitarist Billy Corgan is known for his transformative impact on modern, guitar-driven music and his forward-thinking approach to tone shaping and sonic architecture. His work has expanded the boundaries of modern rock and inspired generations of musicians, engineers and creators. From the explosive dynamics and layered opulence of Siamese Dream to the genre-blending ambition of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness — and his continued reinvention across The Smashing Pumpkins’ expansive catalog, including the most recent releases ATUM: A Rock Opera in Three Acts and Aghori Mhori Mei — Corgan has a deep commitment to innovation and artistic evolution.
Beyond his work with GRAMMY® Award winning band The Smashing Pumpkins, Corgan stands out as a multifaceted creative force. His solo catalog includes TheFutureEmbrace (2005), Aegea (2014), Ogilala (2017) and Cotillions (2019).
In the studio, he has collaborated with a broad range of artists including Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Rick Ocasek, Cheap Trick, Ray Davies, New Order, Marianne Faithfull, Scorpions, Korn, Phantogram, The Veronicas and Code Orange. He has also contributed music to film soundtracks such as Ransom, Stigmata and Spun, and released his first poetry book, Blinking with Fists, in 2004, which went on to become a New York Times best seller.
Corgan’s creative reach extends into a variety of cultural spaces. A lifelong wrestling aficionado, he owns and serves as president of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). He also owns Madame ZuZu’s Teahouse in Highland Park, where he often performs intimate surprise sets, and hosts the podcast “The Magnificent Others,” featuring conversations with artists, entrepreneurs and visionary leaders. He is also a staunch animal advocate, supporting no-kill shelters such as PAWS Chicago.
Most recently, Corgan partnered with the Lyric Opera of Chicago for the world premiere of A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness, a bold operatic reimagining of The Smashing Pumpkins’ landmark 1995 double album. The production featured Corgan performing alongside the world class opera artists, with sweeping new arrangements brought to life by the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus for an immersive experience that fused the emotional intensity of rock with the grandeur of opera.
NAMM honors Billy Corgan with the Innovation Award for his expansive creative career and his willingness to experiment with form, production and narrative in ways that have influenced artists the world over.
Read more about Billy Corgan.
Past Innovation Award Recipients
Get Ready for The 2025 NAMM Show
Call for Entries Now Open
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2025 Innovation Award Recipient
Jack White
A musician, singer, songwriter, producer and multi-GRAMMY Award winner, Jack White has spent his career innovating music and the musical tools he uses to create the signature songs that define his legacy. His tendency to handpick instruments, customize them, and collaborate with engineers and designers on a variety of gear pieces is the behind-the-scenes work that goes into his distinct musical style.
Jack’s deep connection to his gear is integral to his craft. In the world of pedals, Jack’s collaboration on the Triplegraph transformed real-time sound manipulation. He’s modified pedals in his own Third Man Hardware line of effects, with a focus on vintage-inspired sound characteristics. His custom guitars, crafted with input from renowned designers, are as legendary as the electrifying riffs he’s produced with them.
Through his independent record label, Third Man Records, Jack has further solidified his role as an innovator by going out on a limb and opening a vinyl pressing plant in Detroit, Michigan. In a time of music streaming, Jack championed analog music and the comeback of vinyl so that new generations of music lovers can experience the joy and artistry of physical records. The label’s unique packaging and pressing techniques have turned the label’s records into collectible pieces, reigniting public appreciation for music you can touch.
Each of Jack White’s albums is a testament to the artistry of his ever-evolving sound. “Seven Nation Army” from his “Elephant” studio album became a modern rock anthem, and many hits came out of his time with the White Stripes, The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather. His newest album, “No Name,” was recorded, produced and mixed by Jack at his Third Man Studio, pressed to vinyl by his own Third Man Pressing and released by Third Man Records. From vision to realization, Jack’s originality is infused in every aspect of his music creation process.
Jack continues to experiment with new ideas and innovative gear while staying rooted in rock and blues traditions. Whether in the studio or on stage, Jack has built a legacy of innovation and passion, inspiring a new generation of musicians to embrace risk and authenticity.
Read more about Jack White and see videos of his work.
