Jack White has been named a City Ambassador for Nashville.

The former White Stripes frontman – who grew up in Detroit, but moved to Nashville at the end of 2005 – became the first ever recipient of an annual award for helping promote the Tennessee capital as a musical destination internationally through his work as a singer, guitarist, songwriter and founder of record label Third Man Records.

The city’s mayor, Karl Dean – who presented the ‘Seven Nation Army’ rocker with the award – said: “Today’s award recognises an individual who carries Nashville’s diverse musical message worldwide. Jack White’s individual talent and unique creative spirit bridges gaps between genres and generations and I couldn’t be more pleased to thank him for his work on behalf of the music industry and its hometown.”

Musician – who is still a member of The Dead Weather and The Raconteurs – returned the compliment, saying he was glad to live in a town which celebrated and encouraged its musicians.

He said: “Every day we’re excited to be in a city that truly fosters local music and businesses and new ideas. I don’t know another town whose mayor is on the board of its music council.”

Nashville has a well established musical heritage, and is most frequently associated with the gospel and country music scene, housing the Country Music Hall of Fame and having been home to a number of famous music stars including Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus, Dolly Parton and Tina Turner.