First TIME Reaction to Jonny Lang - Lie To Me!

[@samanthaholderbaum9429]

Beautifully soulful voice. He was actually just 15 when he recorded this.

[@Budini67]

^^^ FACTS! He wasn't old enough to buy a beer, but did the big nightclub circuit wearing an armband to identify him as underage, so the bartenders would know not to serve him or let others buy him a drink. Love his voice!!

[@Rocker9965]

Unfortunately, he ruined his voice singing this way without proper training.

[@subsonicdemon]

BRO I AM SO DAMN PROUD OF YOU FOR FINDING JONNY LANG I have been gate keeping this dude forever😂

[@heatherjohnson338]

Jonny found Jesus, got married, and stopped his partying ways. I saw in Edmonton a few years back and he was touring with a gospel singer. I took my grandson to see him because at the time my grandson was into his guitar and I wanted him to see Jonny.

[@joshhansen9559]

He's born in North Dakota but went to Roseville High School in Minnesota in his teen age years when he wasn't touring etc. Incredibly talented, child prodigy on the guitar...Red Light is another one of his more popular tracks

[@TonySalazar933]

This kid's voice blew me away when I first heard it. He should've had a bigger career.

[@LyonsDenRez]

Is first Album came out when he was 13 “Kid Jonny Lang & The Big Bang - “Smokin” singing and guitar playing are way beyond his age!!! “Lie to Me” came out in ‘97 and “Smokin” in ‘95.

[@MikalSylvine]

KZbin didn't exist back when this came out. He's a few months older than me. I grew up in Minnesota. Back when this album came out, and earlier, I remember hanging out with him in the bars he was performing at. Eating pizza backstage and playing video games when the venue had arcade machines. I'm surprised to see a reaction to this from someone without a MN connection. You should check out more from him.

[@rachelguyah1511]

Fellow Minnesotan here. Jonny is a LEGEND. I still never know why he didn't blow up globally. Though true rock/blues musicians always seem to know and respect him. Insanely talented. Good lord.

[@JaneYoung-m8i]

He will blow your hair back in his live performances...love this guy

[@jonfazzone5125]

15 years old at the time Johnny recorded this. Yes 15 years old

[@pennypalace6417]

Jonny sounded even better live. I’ve followed him since I first saw him as a barefoot 16 year old opening for Aerosmith! After his most recent album, he wrote another but due to voice health he is still to date not received the go ahead from his doctor to record or preform live. I’m broken hearted by that but happy he’s living a happy, healthy life with his wife and kids 💜

[@chelseahaley8350]

I love Johnny Lang!! This song came out in 1997! If you liked this, you should check out Blue on Black by Kenny Wayne Shepherd! He's awesome, too!

[@karenmandeville7116]

Rack Em Up is another great one from Johnny.

[@donstand2195]

album Smokin' when Lang was 14. He was signed to A&M Records in 1996.[1] He released Lie to Me on January 28, 1997.[1] The next album, Wander this World, was released on October 20, 1998, and earned a Grammy nomination. This was followed by the more soulful Long Time Coming on October 14, 2003. Lang also made a cover of Edgar Winter's "Dying to Live". Lang's 2006 album, the gospel-influenced Turn Around, won him his first Grammy Award.[4]

[@shellyjones9833]

This came out in early 97. He was 15. I saw him when this albumn came out with Susan Tedschi and Buddy Guy. Great concert

[@jessicahouser4823]

He was born January 29, 1981. I saw him in concert with Kenny Wayne Shepard opening for Staind when I was 15. He was the same age! Crazy that he can play like that so young! Love this!

[@Teeezze]

When I was 21-22, I had several opportunities to see the teenage Jonny at a local bar for a $1 cover charge. I never went because he wasn’t at the rock bar, or even the country bar. He wasn’t always booked at a sports bar who’s regular clientele was very snooty and uppity…the type of people that make it clear that you’re not allowed in their circle if you dyed your own hair and your closet wasn’t full of designer labels. Two years later I’d moved to Seattle and Jonny Lang was all over the radio and selling out stadiums…as a headliner! …AndI was kicking myself for never going to those shows, regardless of the judgement of the bar’s regular patrons. Thirty years later, Jonny’s song “Walking Away” is still one of favorite songs of all time. He sings and plays with so much emotion, and even though he was a teenager when the song was recorded, you can feel the gravity and really believe that it was his experience when he sings: “I truly love you, No one above you, But now I’m walking away…”

[@rorybisson756]

his guitar skills put him in the prodigy category. its a shame he didn't have more mainstream success but make no mistake if you need a blues guitarist, he's on the short list of calls you make.

[@marioduran8224]

You want to hear what he sounds live from Germany 1999, the song "Walking Away"

[@georgekininmonth2070]

We saw Jonny like 20 years ago playing at a blues festival and he played this song. He was 16 years old. Prodigy.

[@victoriagrove5344]

Johnny Lang was a Minnesotan. . Prince was a big fan of Johnny’sc and could be seen at Johnny’s shows. Johnny was 14 when he started playing in Minneapolis in the early 1980’s.

[@kevmodee1866]

Try 1995 not 1980s

[@barbaraanderson1137]

I thought he was from North Dakota

[@kevmodee1866]

@barbaraanderson1137 He is from ND.

[@kevinmarshall854]

Incredible guitarist and amazing vocals from a teenage (15!!!)

[@jmac7947]

Jonny is so great. It's hard to see him like this. He was used, abused, addicted, and in bad shape. Just a kid. As an adult, he's such a great human, father, husband, etc. Check his newer stuff. Also, Wander This World is super depressing, but it's a jam for sure. The kind you would play in the car after a bad date.

[@RonErickson-w6n]

The keyboardist in the video, who took Johnny under his wing is the legendary Minneapolis blues artist Bruce McCabe. Bruce played with Hoop Snakes which was a spinoff of the mother lode, and the favorite of the Blues Brothers, Lamont Cranston. Lamont performed on SNL a couple of times, Dan and John were often seen at the Cabooze Bar in MPLS, ant it wasn't a surprise to see them take the stage with them.

[@wendydotson8891]

I saw Jonny lang open for Aerosmith when I was 15 and he was 16, it came out in 97’. I loved him so much as a teenager and to this day, this is one of my favorite albums. And his song darker side is one of my all time favorite songs, it’s soooo bluesy. I saw someone compare him to Kenny Wayne shepherd, and they are similar in the fact that they are both phenomenal blues guitarist who were both blond white teenagers when they started. But the big difference is that Kenny doesn’t do most of, if any of his own singing. That’s not a criticism just the biggest difference between the two. Jonny became more gospel than blues as he went . But back in the 90’s he was opening for bands like The Rolling Stones and Aerosmith and playing with blues legends like bb king who called him a phenomenon. And he even had a small roll in blues brothers 2000 as a singing janitor.

[@KaBeeM]

He was opening for the Rolling Stones in Europe at like 16 years old when I saw them in 1998 in a stadium. How insane that experience must've been for a teenager.

[@TYinNH]

Walking Away, Breaking Me & Still Rainin are all killer tunes

[@moonriver3552]

This came out around 1997. Jonny turned 15 while recording it. Bruce McCabe (who also played in JL's live band) on keyboards, studio musicians Rob Stupka on drums and Dave Smith on bass. The band shown in the video was JL's live band at the time.

[@marikka9347]

You may want to check out Still Rainin', Walking Away, and Wander This World. He is a great performer and has a quite dedicated fan base. Went to see him during his second album. It was pouring rain. I mean pouring. It looked like we just climbed out of the pool fully dressed and soaked. Everyone stuck around anyway. He kept playing. After quite awhile he was told he had to get off the stage. He apologized to us, but said the wind had changed and was blowing water onto the stage. They were rightly worried about the band getting electrocuted. Memorable concert. Minnesota crowd, so the willingness to get soaked to catch a concert is not too suprising. Does not matter if nature pours rain, snow, or unleashes giant mosquitoes on us we refuse to be stuck indoors. Cabin fever is a thing 😊.

[@LyonsDenRez]

“Louise” and “I Love You The Best” from the ‘95 “Smokin” Album when he was 13yrs old

[@asheeran]

He’s 15!

[@llPAIGEll]

I was a kid when i fell in love with Jonny. I was about 6 when this song came out. My mom would listen to him all the time. A few years ago saw him live and he’s amazing live. He hasn’t been singing I do believe because of voice chord problems. Very sad but understandable.

[@theresadavis5440]

That young man has the gift.

[@wolfdesikan1766]

YASSSS LAWD. Jonny Lang is 40 years of cigarettes and whiskey in a 16 year old voice.

[@KenBlair-jp5nz]

Lie to Me is the second studio album by the American blues guitarist Jonny Lang, released on January 28, 1997. It is Lang's big-label debut, released a day before he turned 16.

[@Jude_196]

Jonny Lang ROCKS!! Another guy that was just so talented, he started recording when he was SO YOUNG!! ENJOY, BP!!!

[@Sawdoff2]

I like When I Come To You off this album. I love the sax and guitar solos in it, besides it being a love song from such a young man with an old soul.

[@rosemaryabbott1020]

Jonny Lang is a blues man all the way.

[@gizmokat8321]

Fun Fact. Johnny is younger then Isaac Hanson, Older than Taylor Hanson and Johnny and Hanson are friends. They've played together and he was featured on a Hanson album.

[@MarcinOfTheNuclearVillage]

Holy Hell! That's one of my favourite blasts from the past. Awesome track!

[@JC-tq8gm]

Listen to this whole album. I saw him live about 20 years ago and he does bring it. BTW, asking for a happy song from a blues player is pretty funny. lol

[@amyl9864]

Wow!!! What a blast from the past - I remember seeing him up in Minneapolis in the beginning of his career. Now I need to dig back into his songs and some other of those local indie bands I remember from those days

[@holgerschussler9107]

I watched him play this on the roof of Empire Liquors in Fargo,ND when he was 14! He then made it big in Minneapolis Minnesota, starting with 1st Avenue club!

[@kevinmarshall854]

The blonde girl on the couch is Johnny's little sister. She begged him to let her be in the video. You know how little sister's can be.😂😂😂

[@barbrice721]

Great Singer. Soulfull. Hip.

[@duanewelsh5611]

He was 18 first time i saw him, Amazing! His vover of Stevie Wonder Just enough is fantastic.

[@DLH0007]

The song came out in 1997. Lang was about 16 at the time. The video was probably posted to KZbin 13 years ago .. Lang is 43 years old now .. he had still been touring (mostly in the Blues circuit) til about 2020, but started having vocal chord issues and had to stop touring ...

[@nadinemarie3811]

Jonny Lang is a great blues rock artist. He was only 15 when he recorded this. Check out "Still Raining," also by him.

[@martinedwards6212]

Yes he was incredible live! Unfortunately we don’t know if he’ll ever perform live again. He damaged his vocal cords in 2020 and has been off the scene ever since. Love Johnny Lang!

[@2BNamedL8r]

Saw an interview w/Steven Tyler a while back where he said his mind was blown when he heard Jonny for the first time.

[@bethstratton3391]

I hadn’t heard Jonny Lang before, but I enjoyed the listen. It’s a very MTV track to me, but it has quite a nice vibe and I liked the guitar playing.

[@charlesbatsold31]

BB kings little prodigy. Seen him live when this album was released. Was 17 at the time of the show. Amazing. And still is.

[@garyspeed8961]

STILL RAINING ! 2003 Zhuhai China,, late night Bar and Johnny Lang started up... WTF ... had to have him!

[@LoisChisholm]

A fun story-song from the same album is called "Rack 'em Up" about a pool hall. It paints a great picture in your mind.

[@alimac1469]

I had the experience of seeing Jonny and band at a pub in Melbourne Australia 23 years ago. Up there with the best live performances I've seen.

[@Goodtide]

Oh my gosh Johnny Lang! 🤍🤍🤍 So cool you reacting to him. 😊

[@carolepalmer6329]

Right!! No one ever knows him!!

[@kimberlylollar8118]

Came out in 1997 and he was 15. I remember I had the cassette

[@joancottrell937]

I hope you listen to some more of his music- the early stuff, imo. So raw, so talented. His live performances are amazing

[@julieo4580]

I've seen him live and yes he sounds the same live. He hasn't been able to tour in a few years due to medical reasons i think

[@WhitePuppy76]

Damn, I remember when this came out. Now he’s part of the 40!! Club. 😂

[@Eleonoor]

What a voice!

[@BigTimeRushFan2112]

Saw Jonny open for Kenny Wayne Shephard about 10 years back, also saw him when he was part of the Experience Hendrix Tour from 2018. You should consider "Blue on Black" by Kenny Wayne Shephard for a future review since you like this vibe.

[@moxie9091]

He was 16 when he recorded this! Incredibly talented💯💯💯

[@Kevin6059]

That album is fan-freakingtastic and so is the sound quality on it. Been a fave for years.

[@flipppy83]

I got to see him live at the Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival here in Maryland back in '96 or '97

[@darrinwoodward14]

He also had a cameo in blues brothers 2000.awsome movie if no one has seen it,i highly recommend it.

[@jahrolo]

On my playlist since 1999 :)

[@michelebrown4712]

I love Jonny !!💙

[@russellw7785]

Great stuff!!. A musical prodigy. Close to 16 at this time

[@ms.krueger2660]

I heard this for the first time not long ago and was amazed to find out he was a teenager. Still shocked. I am 60 and love this. 💜. Wow!!

[@bartjopling4886]

He was mentored By the G.o.a.t Buddy Guy. I've seen them both in Concert 7 Times. Jonny has been having vocal issues for a few years and has had to step back from music and heal his voice

[@elderfitnatch]

Great bluesman! Very cool.

[@JohnHazelwood58]

The great Jonny Lang! First time I heard of him was this song, which he performed live at german tv to promote (t)his album. As he went on tour in Germany, I was there and blown away. Jonny Live is different! < but in a good way, of course. The record "Lie To Me" was released in Germany on his 16th birthday - so he is 15 in this video. It was his first solo album - before going solo he played in the band "Kid Jonny Lang and The Big Bang". The cds "Lie To Me" and "Wander This World" (< my favourite of him) are must haves! Check out some live stuff! :)

[@techparadox7016]

I saw Jonny Lang live back in 1998. He was opening for Aerosmith (Yes, opening for Aerosmith!) on the Nine Lives tour. When he walked out on stage I turned to the woman I was dating at the time and said "Who the hell is this kid on stage?", because neither of us had checked out the card for who else was playing. He capped off his set with "Lie to Me", and I immediately went out and found his merch table so I could pick up his CD. Dude sounded amazing live, and I had him on repeat for months after. I still break out that disc every now and then just to groove, because dude had killer blues chops.

[@shirleybuffington6420]

His debut album come out in 1996 he did a concert on Disney Channel as around the time the lie to me album come out . They did an interview with his dad and he was saying that they had planned a tour before he signed a contract and they had a bunch of songs like Michael Jackson would sing and 2 days before they was to start touring this is the voice he had . He said they had too scramble to find some songs that would go with his new voice.

[@matthewdooley7855]

Can't understand why he didn't just blow up and become a huge star. Unique sound, tons of skill. The backup singer also does great work on this song. Jonny's stank face rivals even Stevie Ray Vaughan.

[@moxie9091]

Well, he did win a Grammy

[@pennypalace6417]

And he chose not to play by anyone else’s rules, he wouldn’t pander to radio stations to play his music and only played at smaller venues and festivals on purpose. Just a really down-to-earth guy who had no interest in becoming ultra famous. I met him once he’s actually quite shy and very humble. 🫶

[@phillipthomas119]

Jonny was a great young talent when he was breaking in the music scene. They were trying to sell him as the next srv, I honestly think him and Kenny Wayne Sheppard would of had more success...if not for the whole next srv shh.... great reaction love seeing the smaller guys get some love!

[@ncin29]

Listen to the live version. His music catalog is incredible. He had voice issues recently, we are hoping he'll heal and return soon.

[@patriciaberta2603]

Gotta give a listen to Still Raining!

[@sandralybrand9425]

I was 15 years old when my uncle introduced me to Johnny Lang! I couldn't believe how young he was.He sang with alot of gret blues guys including BB king.I still have a Johnny Lang CD! He's fire!❤❤

[@sandralybrand9425]

I misspoke it was Johnny Ray my uncle introduced me to his music. My son introduced me to Johnny Rays music and I bought the CD that week! Well worth it! ❤❤

[@PamelaBuscemi]

He's 43 years old now.

[@rwarner06b03d]

"Give Me Up Again" live is the example of him performing you're looking for. "Slow Ride" by Kenny Wayne Shepherd is awesome. And then there's Gary Moore.....with far too much to list. The former lead guitarist for Thin Lizzy (The Boys Are Back in Town.....ring a bell?) Moore's live performances were without equal.....he was truly the best at making you "feel" the music. The blues genre is a huge rabbit hole to go down.

[@laurenlindsey6457]

He's played with bb king. used to go on stage as a teenager with bare feet. Not even his best song. I love red light. He was even on Arsenio hall way back when.

[@gregorybenson9975]

Blues is Americas music and always good to see be put on to it.

[@DS-182]

He was playing and selling out the red carpet nightclub in st.cloud,mn @14... this came out in '97

[@rogerdaly6326]

BP 13 yrs ago is when whatever channel you picked up from posted the video. This song came out in 1997. I think Jonny shot this video a few days shy of his 16th birthday. In the video the two wonen on the couch are his mom & sister.

[@vanessarupe2039]

Ok. He’s one of my faves. 15 when this came out. I’ve seen him in concert twice. Walkin’ Away and Still Rainin’ are 2 more to check out from Johnny Lang. I’ve been trying to get you and Anthony Ray to react to Joe Bonamassa as well. This dude is GREAT on that guitar. Please check out Joe. You will totally dig him. Start with I’ll play the blues For you and then check out Going Down. Both live at the Greek theater. It’s an automatic playlist add. Guaranteed! ✌🏻❤️from Texas

[@mychallove1959]

He was 16 when this came out. Great voice

[@stephanietip]

Love this song.Hard to believe he was only 15

[@abarber3700]

Yesss!!! Glad you find Johnny 😮😊 was absolutely awesome to catch him in K.C. when he was around this age. Mind-blowing!!

[@irvinebrown78]

My favorite is angel of mercy

[@docdurdin]

Jonny was a child Prodigy of Guitar and Blues.

[@aimeekeel]

So good!

[@jennhen2675]

This came out in 1997 I think. I saw him a few years ago when he opened up for Buddy Guy. They were both great.

[@carolepalmer6329]

Grew up on this! MTV at its best. 13-19ish. Jonny Lang, Metallica, Chris Cornell, Snoop Dogg, Snow (his one wonder was on every hour), Ugly Kidd Joe, Soul Asylum (Runaway Train), Madonna, Meredith Brooks, No Doubt, Cyprus Hill, TLC. Gosh I miss music

[@seumus]

The album that this is the title track for was released the day before his 16th birthday.

[@diostar153]

It came out 1997 he was 17 awesome kid at the time

[@tmon5236]

He is from North or South Dakota. He was a child guitar prodigy

[@jessievoisin5462]

He was still touring as late as 2019. Saw him and Beth Hart right before the lockdowns. Rumor is he bought a guitar from the store where they filmed the video. Sadly he has had vocal cord issues in the 2020's. Not sure if it is career ending. Really wish you had clicked on the Still Raining video. One of my favorites!

[@roush243]

Next you need to listen to “Blue on Black” by Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

[@axzantos4968]

I love Jonny Lang, was seeing him live in Germany at the Blues Garage, it was absolutely awesome! Still listening to him almost daily. Can also recommend Darker Side & A Quitter never wins! The whole "Lie to me" album is fantastic, at least for me because i grew up listening to him.