Conan O’Brien, widely recognized for his iconic late-night hosting, surprised attendees at the Newport Folk Festival by revealing his hidden musical talent. Taking to the stage with a guitar in hand, he joined rock legend Jack White for a heartwarming rendition of a song, quickly going viral with over 115K views on YouTube within days of the performance.
The pair shared a natural chemistry from the start. As the video kicks off, Jack casually mentions their years-long friendship before gifting Conan a megalodon tooth—a quirky gesture that had the crowd laughing as Conan bemusedly placed it aside. The duo then dove into their cover of “We’re Going to Be Friends”, originally by The White Stripes, and the video struck a chord with fans, resonating with its simple yet nostalgic vibe.
Jack took the lead on the first verse before Conan joined in with his smooth vocals and fingerpicking on the acoustic guitar. His laid-back country style complemented Jack’s indie rock edge, blending the two genres seamlessly. The choice of song fit perfectly with the folk festival’s spirit, filled with storytelling and the nostalgia of simpler days—offering a sweet contrast to the usual grunge sound of The White Stripes.
Jack White, at 49, looks effortlessly youthful, while Conan, at 61, exudes the vibe of a cool dad jamming with his son, making for a memorable and heartwarming collaboration that left the crowd in awe.
