On this date in 1981, Jon Gordon Langseth Jr. was born in Fargo. One evening, his father took him to see the Bad Medicine Blues Band. That led to some guitar lessons from band member Ted Larson. Next thing you know, Jon joined the band. And at age 12, Jon Gordon Langseth Jr. became Jonny Lang, with the band renamed “Kid Jonny Lang and The Big Bang.” Jonny’s first album with the band was released when he was just 13 years old.
After a move to Minneapolis, 15-year-old Jonny signed with A&M Records. “Lie to Me,” his first album under his new label, sold millions of copies, earning multi-platinum status.
At age 16, Jonny had a life other teens only dreamed of. As word got around about of his talent and his “child prodigy” status, Jonny headed out on tours with such music greats as the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, B.B. King and Sting. Rolling Stone magazine stated, “Jonny can’t legally drink, smoke or vote, but can do everything with a guitar except have it bring in the morning paper.”
After releasing another album, earning a Grammy nomination, and more world tours, Jonny was asked to play the White House for President and Mrs. Clinton.
In 2002, religion became a more important in Jonny’s life, and his 2006 album Turn Around had a real gospel feel. The recording won a Grammy award as “Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album.”
Jonny said the following about his experiences: “Going out on the road with Aerosmith and the Rolling Stones, the biggest thing was being humbled. You know where you stand, and you get an idea of what it takes to make it. Basically, what it boils down to is this: Great musicians are a dime a dozen, but it’s all the really nice guys who are still there.”
Now, at the ripe old age of 38, the veteran performer is as active as ever, including a European tour called “Rockin’ the Blues” that will take him to Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands and the UK.
Dakota Datebook written by Jill Whitcomb
Sources:
www.jonnylang.com
http://music.aol.com/artist/jonny_lang/biography/1171686
Baby Blues-seventeen-year-old Jonny Lang Wanders the World-http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/jonnylang/articles/story/5923401/baby_blues
http://crossroadsguitarfestival.2007.com/
