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Jonny Lang (born Jon Gordon Langseth, Jr., January 29 1981, in Fargo, North Dakota) is an American blues guitarist and singer.
Overview
In 1995, at the age of fourteen, his first album was issued; Smokin by Kid Jonny Lang and the Big Bang. The following year, Lang released his debut solo album, Lie to Me. Part of this success is due to a voice that sounds like that of 40 year old blues veteran, containing a harshness tempered by a fine falsetto that has taken prominence in his newest albums. Part of it is his scorching guitar solos, which display a prodigious natural talent honed by years of practice and playing. Whatever the secret to his success, the youngster has quickly become a fixture in the blues world, drawing crowds wherever he goes. He has been recognized by famous guitarists all over the world, including in 2004 by Eric Clapton. Clapton asked Lang to play at the 2004 Crossroads Guitar Festival to raise money for the Crossroads Centre Antigua.
Biography
Lang started playing the guitar at the age of twelve, after his father took him to see the Bad Medicine Blues Band - one of the few blues bands in Fargo. Lang was inspired and soon started taking guitar lessons from Ted Larsen, the Bad Medicine Blues Band's guitar player. Several months after Lang started guitar lessons, he joined the Bad Medicine Blues Band (re-named Kid Jonny Lang and the Big Bang).
The band moved to Minneapolis and independently released the album Smokin' by Kid Jonny Lang and the Big Bang. Lang was signed to A&M Records in 1996. He released the critically acclaimed and multi-platinum album, Lie to Me on January 28, 1997. This album garnered enough attention to win him a cameo in the film Blues Brothers in 2000. Lang's next album, Wander This World, was released on October 20, 1998. Wander This World was as successful as Lie to Me, and earned Lang a Grammy nomination. Lang was married on June 8, 2001 to longtime girlfriend and actress Haylie Johnson. The couple is currently living in Los Angeles. Lang's next album, Long Time Coming, was released October 14, 2003. This album features a more soulful-rock quality than Lang's previous albums. Lang also made a cover of Edgar Winter's "Dying to Live."
Lang has earned the reputation of an intense, emotional live performer. After more than ten years on the road, he has toured with and earned praise from luminaries such as the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, B.B. King, Jeff Beck, and Sting. In 1999, he was invited to play for a White House audience including President and Mrs. Clinton. From 1995-2004, Lang's backing band included members Paul Diethelm (guitar), Bruce McCabe (keyboards), and Billy Thommes (drums).
Bassist Doug Nelson was killed in a traffic accident in 2000, and was replaced by Billy Franze. Saxophone player David Eiland was added in 2000, providing Lang with a foil for extended instrumental jams. In 2005, Lang replaced his band with all new members (aside from bassist Jim Anton, who replaced Franze in 2003) and embarked on an acoustic tour that showcased a more intimate side of his music. New guitarist Reeve Carney pulled double duty as the Lang band's opening act at several shows in 2005 and again in 2006. Playing keyboard and organ currently for Lang is Houston native Charles Jones. 2006 also saw the release of his newest album, Turn Around, influenced by gospel music, showcasing a more religious side of Jonny Lang.
Discography
- 1995 Smokin' (as Kid Jonny Lang & the Big Bang)
- 1997 Lie to Me
- 1998 Wander This World
- 2003 Long Time Coming
- 2006 Turn Around (album)
Filmography and television appearances
- 1998 Blues Brothers 2000
- 1998 The Drew Carey Show episode: In Ramada Da Vida (cameo) [1]
External links
de:Jonny Lang
fr:Jonny Lang
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