Lie To Me

The Zoo Crew is spinning Lie To Me by Jonny Lang, a standout track from his 1997 album of the same name, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it. This song, released when Lang was just 15, showcases his raw, soulful voice and blistering guitar work. In a 2017 interview with Songfacts, Lang reflected on the track, admitting he didn’t fully connect with its lyrics until his 20s, as he was singing from musical instinct rather than personal experience at the time. The black-and-white music video, directed by Michael Lucero, was shot at Black Market Music in San Francisco, featuring Lang picking out a 1957 Fender Esquire in a store—a guitar he fell in love with during filming. A&M Records president Al Cafaro later gifted him that very guitar, which Lang still treasures, though he uses it sparingly compared to his signature Telecasters.

Another cool tidbit comes from a fan’s story shared on Reddit in 2024. A user recalled borrowing Lang’s Lie To Me CD from their girlfriend’s mom in 2004, only to lose it. Years later, they found it in a box, brought it to a Jonny Lang concert, and waited in the cold to meet him. Lang, touched by the story, invited the fan backstage to sign the CD, showing his genuine connection with his audience. The song’s recording also has its quirks—some fans on Amazon noted a “blip” at around 1:10 in the title track, possibly a manufacturing flaw, which sparked discussions about its mastering at The Record Plant in Hollywood.

Jonny Lang, born Jon Gordon Langseth Jr. on January 29, 1981, in Fargo, North Dakota, kicked off his musical journey at a young age. Inspired by a wide range of music, he started playing guitar at 12, initially for friends. His father introduced him to the Bad Medicine Blues Band, a local Fargo group, and Lang began taking lessons from their guitarist, Ted Larsen. Within months, he joined the band, which was renamed Kid Jonny Lang & The Big Bang. By 14, Lang independently released his debut album, Smokin’, which became a regional hit. This caught the attention of A&M Records, who signed him in 1996 after a performance at Bunkers Bar in Minneapolis. His major-label debut, Lie To Me, dropped a day before his 16th birthday, skyrocketing him to fame as a blues prodigy with a voice and guitar style far beyond his years.

Lang’s official website, jonnylang.com, keeps fans updated on his music and merch, though recent posts note he’s paused performances due to vocal health issues. You can follow him on social media for the latest: Facebook (255,987 likes), Instagram, and X. Fans also connect through unofficial spaces like the Jonny Lang Fan Club on Facebook, where enthusiasts share concert memories and updates. Another fan hub, Telecaster Guitar Forum, often discusses Lang’s influence, especially his love for Telecasters, which inspired many to pick up the instrument.