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The Black Keys

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Band Timeline

2001

Formation of The Black Keys

The Black Keys were formed in Akron, Ohio in 2001 by childhood friends Dan Auerbach (guitar, vocals) and Patrick Carney (drums). Both dropped out of the University of Akron to focus on their music. Initially, they began as an independent act recording and producing music in basements. Their raw blues rock sound was heavily influenced by classic blues musicians such as Junior Kimbrough, R.L. Burnside, Howlin' Wolf, and Robert Johnson. This formation marked the beginning of what would become one of the most significant garage rock acts during the genre's revival in the 2000s.
2002

Release of Debut Album 'The Big Come Up'

The Black Keys signed with indie label Alive and released their debut album, 'The Big Come Up,' in 2002. The album was recorded largely in basements and self-produced by the duo. This release helped them earn a deal with Fat Possum Records. Over the following years, they built a grassroots following by touring small clubs and licensing their music. 'The Big Come Up' established their raw blues rock style and laid the foundation for their underground success.
2003

Release of Second Album 'Thickfreakness'

Following their debut, the band released their second album 'Thickfreakness' in 2003. Like their first effort, it was recorded in their makeshift studios and self-produced. This album continued to develop the duo's signature blues rock sound. The success of 'Thickfreakness' helped to further grow their fan base and their reputation as a compelling garage rock act.
2004

Release of Third Album 'Rubber Factory' and Rising Profile

In 2004, The Black Keys released their third album 'Rubber Factory' which received critical acclaim and boosted their profile significantly. It was recorded under more professional circumstances compared to previous albums. The success of 'Rubber Factory' led to a major record deal with Nonesuch Records in 2006, moving the band into a higher tier of commercial recognition while still preserving their raw sound.
2006

Signing with Nonesuch Records and Collaboration with Danger Mouse

After the success of 'Rubber Factory,' the band signed with major label Nonesuch Records in 2006. They transitioned from recording in basements to professional studios with the release of 'Attack & Release.' For this album, they hired producer Danger Mouse, marking the start of an important ongoing collaboration. This transition marked a shift to more sophisticated production techniques while maintaining their blues-rock essence.
2010

Commercial Breakthrough with 'Brothers' Album

The Black Keys achieved commercial breakthrough in 2010 with the release of their sixth album 'Brothers.' Co-produced with Danger Mouse, it featured the highly successful single 'Tighten Up.' The album debuted strongly, peaking at number three on the Billboard 200, and won three Grammy Awards including Best Alternative Music Album. This album elevated their status from an underground act to mainstream rock prominence.
2011

Release of 'El Camino' and Arena Tour

In 2011, they released 'El Camino,' their seventh album, which was critically acclaimed and reached number two on the Billboard 200 chart. The album included hit singles like 'Lonely Boy,' which helped the band to secure their first arena concert tour, the El Camino Tour, marking their transition to larger venues and audiences. 'El Camino' won three Grammy Awards, further solidifying their mainstream success.
2014

Number One Album 'Turn Blue' and Continued Success

The band's eighth album, 'Turn Blue,' was released in 2014 and became their first number-one record in the US, Canada, and Australia. The album showcased a more expansive and experimental sound. Following the album, the band completed the Turn Blue Tour in 2015. Despite its success, the tour marked the beginning of a hiatus period as the duo chose to focus on side projects and producing other artists.
2019

Return from Hiatus and Release of 'Let's Rock'

After several years of hiatus during which the duo pursued other projects, The Black Keys returned in 2019 with their ninth studio album 'Let's Rock.' The album marked a return to their guitar-driven rock roots and was well-received by fans and critics, signaling a rejuvenation of their creative output and continuing relevance in the rock music scene.
2021-2022

Release of 'Delta Kream' and 'Dropout Boogie'

In 2021, The Black Keys released 'Delta Kream,' a tribute album to Mississippi hill country blues that highlighted their blues influences. In 2022, they followed with 'Dropout Boogie,' which featured original songwriting and continued to showcase their energetic rock style. These albums underscored the band's versatility and deep connection to blues traditions while maintaining contemporary appeal.
2024-2025

Release of 'Ohio Players,' Setbacks, and 'No Rain, No Flowers'

In 2024, The Black Keys released the album 'Ohio Players.' However, this period was marked by internal turmoil and management changes that led to the abrupt cancellation of their arena tour. Despite these setbacks, the band used this challenging time creatively, culminating in the release of 'No Rain, No Flowers' on August 8, 2025. This album reflects the band's resilience and ongoing evolution behind the scenes.

Albums

the-black-keys_1st_album
The Big Come Up
13 tracks
2002
the-black-keys_2nd_album
Thickfreakness
11 tracks
2003
the-black-keys_3rd_album
Rubber Factory
13 tracks
2004
the-black-keys_4th_album
Magic Potion
11 tracks
2006
the-black-keys_5th_album
Attack & Release
11 tracks
2008
the-black-keys_6th_album
Brothers
15 tracks
2010
📷
No Image
El Camino
11 tracks
2011
the-black-keys_8th_album
Turn Blue
11 tracks
2014
the-black-keys_9th_album
“Let’s Rock”
12 tracks
2019
the-black-keys_10th_album
Delta Kream
12 tracks
2021
the-black-keys_11th_album
Dropout Boogie
10 tracks
2022
the-black-keys_12th_album
Ohio Players
14 tracks
2024
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Patrick Carney

2001

Drums (drum set)

Percussion

Dan Auerbach

2001

Lead vocals

Bass guitar

Guitar

Keyboard

Story of The Black Keys

The Black Keys: A Garage Rock Dynamo

The Black Keys, hailing from Akron, Ohio, burst onto the scene in 2001 as a raw, two-piece force. This gritty garage rock duo, consisting of Dan Auerbach (guitar, vocals) and Patrick Carney (drums), honed their sound in basements, self-producing their early records. Their independent spirit and dedication to their craft soon propelled them to the forefront of a garage rock revival in the early 2000s.

Influenced by blues legends like Junior Kimbrough, R.L. Burnside, Howlin' Wolf, and Robert Johnson, the Black Keys' music drips with a raw, bluesy intensity. Their story is one of true grit and perseverance. Friends since childhood, Auerbach and Carney formed the band after dropping out of college, and they quickly gained a loyal following through relentless touring, frequent album releases, and strategic licensing of their music.

Their 2004 album, Rubber Factory, solidified their status as a critical darling, earning them a major label deal with Nonesuch Records in 2006. After years of self-production, they embraced a more professional approach for Attack & Release (2008), collaborating with producer Danger Mouse, who became a key player in their sound.

The Black Keys' commercial breakthrough arrived in 2010 with Brothers. This Grammy Award-winning album, featuring the hit single "Tighten Up," cemented their place as a major force in contemporary rock, and their journey from basement sessions to international stardom is a testament to their raw talent and dedication to their unique, blues-infused garage rock sound.

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