In the upcoming November issue of Mojo, Jack White opens up about his respect and deep appreciation for the work of radio DJ John Peel. Peel worked for BBC radio and passed away 10 years ago on Oct. 25, 2004.

White recalls how, during the beginning of his White Stripes tenure, he had no idea people outside of America cared about his music. “When [Peel] started playing our songs we were, like, ‘That’s unbelievable,’” White says in the magazine’s feature.

The iconic rock star first met Peel in 2001 when the White Stripes first toured the U.K.: “When I walked into [his studio] I saw him in the hallway, crying ... it was because his football team had just won. I thought, ‘This guy’s amazing.’” White goes on to call him “the most important DJ who has ever lived.” He attended Peel’s funeral on Nov. 12, 2004, and recollects, “He really knew what good music was.”

Get details on Mojo’s tribute to Peel here. And listen to part of the White Stripes' 2001 in-studio session with Peel below:

You Think You Know Jack White?

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