Jonny Lang

Jonny Lang

Jonny Lang is an American blues, gospel and rock singer, songwriter and guitarist from Fargo, North Dakota, born in 1981. He is also known as Jon Gordon Langseth, Jr. and is identified with blues, blues rock, gospel, modern blues and rock.

Early career

Lang begins recording and performing while still a teenager. In 1995, aged 14, he releases his first album, Smokin'. He performs both under his own name and as Kid Jonny Lang & The Big Bang, and the record becomes a regional success.

That early attention leads to a major-label bidding war, and he signs to A&M Records in 1996. The following year, aged 15, he releases his major-label debut, Lie to Me.

Breakthrough and later albums

Lie to Me receives mixed critical reactions but becomes a commercial breakthrough. Its title track gets significant radio play and reaches number 12 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart.

He follows with Wander This World, which appears in 1998 and broadens his sound with classic soul and modern rock influences. The album does well commercially, and its singles Wander This World and Still Rainin' perform strongly, with Still Rainin' reaching number 8 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart.

Style and later work

Lang's playing is associated with strong guitar solos and a voice that draws on blues and soul traditions. His influences include Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King, Luther Allison and Albert Collins. He also receives a Grammy Award and becomes a familiar figure in the blues world through extensive touring.

His later album Fight For My Soul appears in 2013 and becomes his latest recorded work in the information provided. It shows a move towards classic soul and R&B sounds and reaches number 20 on Billboard's Top Rock Albums chart.