Artists Who Should Be Selling Millions: Jonny Lang

Jonny Lang began playing blues guitar before he was even a teenager. At the age of fourteen, he played in a band that released a successful independent album. That album drew the interest of major labels and at the ripe young age of fifteen, Jonny Lang was signed to a major label. Listeners were first introduced to Jonny Lang when he was somewhat of a novelty act. People couldn't believe that a fifteen year old could play and sing the blues the way young Jonny did. It soon became apparent that Jonny had an extraordinary talent and would be around for a very long time.

Jonny Lang was marketed to the general public as a 'wonder kid' that could play the blues. His first album, 'Lie To Me,' was released in early 1997. It was critically acclaimed and very well received by the blues community. Lang would get the opportunity to hone his skills on the road with legends such as B.B. King, The Rolling Stones, and Aerosmith. He would even perform at Bill Clinton's inaugural ball. Music fans were captivated by Lang and 'Lie To Me' sold over 1 million copies. The following year, Lang released 'Wander This World', another blues oriented album that faired nearly as well on the charts.

Although Lang toured nonstop, he would not release another album until 2003. The appropriately titled 'Long Time Coming' was a break away from the blues vibe that made Jonny a star. 'Long Time Coming' was heavy on rock and soul songs. It was like a curveball to Lang's blues-loving fan base. The combination of Lang's new style and the long layoff between albums caused 'Long Time Coming' to not fare so well on the sales charts. It is unfortunate, because the album showed Jonny's tremendous growth as a musician and reflected how Jonny had been boxed in by the blues genre.

Perhaps Lang's best song is the 'Long Time Coming' tune, 'Red Light.' Jonny shows off his amazing, soulful when singing the song written by Anthony Hamilton. The album also shows just how many genres Lang's music can span. From the rocker 'Give Me Up Again' to the gospel driven 'Dying To Live,' Lang showed so much on the album.

The shades of gospel that were shown on 'Long Time Coming' were a precursor to Lang's 2006 release, 'Turn Around.' While growing up in the music business, Jonny Lang succumbed to many of the pitfalls of the rock 'n roll lifestyle. He developed poor drug and drinking habits at a very young age. Lang has stated that God pulled him through the dark days and showed him the light. 'Turn Around' is a gospel album from start to finish and shows some more of the depth of Jonny Lang's talent.

'Turn Around' delivers a message of redemption, self-improvement, and inspiration. Although the content of Jonny's lyrics is much different, the music remains the same. Lang's voice and guitar playing take center stage throughout the album. Lang even took home a Grammy for 'Best Rock Gospel Album.' Although 'Turn Around' didn't return Jonny Lang to the popularity he once had, it is his strongest album to date.

In a time where raunchy rap music and disposable pop dominates the airwaves, a great artist like Jonny Lang can get lost in the mix. Jonny Lang is an amazing musician; his albums are all great and his live shows are extraordinary. If you're a music lover, check out Jonny Lang. You won't regret it.