Whitesnake is in fact David Coverdale, a former group member of the famous Deep Purple ('73-'77). As the band changed several members within its existence (since '77), David Coverdale remained the leader of the group.
In its 30 years the band went from pure Deep Purple rock style, through blues and rock-blues up to pop metal. All these genres are included in 12 studio albums and 4 live albums.
The band was temporary dissolved and Coverdale developed a project with Led Zeppelin's lead guitarist Jimmy Page, resulting an anticipated Whitensake/Led Zeppelin combination.

PS: Yesterday, 3.07.2008, Mel Galley (Whitesnake guitarist since '83) died of cancer at the age of 60.