Today, we'll be talking to the one and only Jonny Lang!
He's a blues guitarist who can play a mean guitar like nobody's business.
He's played with a lot of the guitar greats...
...and he's only 16!
His new album "Wander This World" is in stores now.
Right now!
But wait until after the chat to run out and buy it...you won't want to
miss
this chat!
So now let's welcome to the Zeethatorium stage...
the one...the only...
Jonny Lang!
Jonny_Lang
Hello!
laurenznickz
What inspired you to start singing?
Jonny_Lang
When I was growing up my mom always sang to me and my sisters
She's a great singer.
We would always listen to old Motown records and sing along
ever since I can remember.
bluesguitarchick
how ofton do you practice?
Jonny_Lang
I don't really have a schedule
but I play about 4 nights a week and that's my practice I guess.
I sit around and play the guitar pretty much all the time.
markh2
which came first, playing the guitar, or singing?
Jonny_Lang
I've been singing ever since I was really little,
so I guess singing was first.
myerschild8
How old were when you started singing
Jonny_Lang
Ever since I can remember. I was probably 2 or 3 years old.
Not professionally, obviously!
Jonny_Lang laughs
angelkin9
First of all, I want to say that I love your music and your new cd is great.
You have been asked to play at the inauguration party for Jesse Ventura,
are you going to accept?
Jonny_Lang
I have no idea yet.
But I would really love to. We're kind of talking about it
but I'm not sure what's going to happen.
jonnylangbluescafe
jonny whats your favorite song on the new album?
Jonny_Lang
It's weird for me to pick a favorite song
because it's kind of like hearing yourself on your own answering
machine.
I don't think I can really answer that one
ladytimber
Jonny I am a new fan, I heard Still Rainin on the radio and thought you
would be like 35 or something, but when I saw your video I was just
blown away, you have such a powerful voice, did you ever take lessons,
or are you just blessed? I really like your music, and your a cuttie too,
lucky for your girlfriend.
Jonny_Lang laughs
Jonny_Lang
I started taking vocal coaching after we did that album.
Just to help me with longevity as far as doing 4 or 5 shows
in a row and lasting.
bbrassy
Why the haircut? I like it, but I loved your long hair!
Jonny_Lang
I got sick of my long hair. I got sick of choking on it
when I'd play on stage.
jonnylangbluescafe
why'd you pick the guitar instead of drums or something?
Jonny_Lang
I went out to see a band play when I was 13
and I got inspired by the guitar player
and that's what inspired me to play.
I guess if I was inspired by the drummer I might have
ended up playing the drums.
ilovejonny
Jonny what is your favorite sprot? animal? color?
Jonny_Lang
Golf...
spider monkey and...
reddish orange.
elenaenrique
Jonny.........were you nervous at the Disney Live concert?
Jonny_Lang
No, I wasn't nervous at all, actually.
It was fun.
holloway2
Hey Jonny! I love your music and want to thank you for being such a
great inspiration. So how do you deal with being on the road all the time?
(I'm a freshman in college so I know what it's like to be away from
home)
Jonny_Lang
I think just knowing you have people at home
awaiting your return - friends and family...
It makes you feel not so far away...
if you're a glass half full kind of person.
Doing it for the last five years makes it normal for me.
I'm used to it now.
gtrchic16
are you going to have an extensive tour for your new album? i hope you
come back to charlotte, nc! that was the best concert i've ever been to!
you RAWK!!!
Jonny_Lang
Yeah, we'll be touring from the beginning of January
through most of year and I think we'll be coming through Charlotte.
Thanks!!!
gilluk
How did it feel to be asked to support the Stones?
Jonny_Lang
It was very flattering...
and the best part was it was very humbling for me...
being able to play with them.
lie2mejonlang
I saw your show in Atlanta, and you were wearing shoes...... I thought
you always performed barefoot
Jonny_Lang
I performed barefoot until I got a huge splinter in my foot
two shows in a row and I thought, I shouldn't do this anymore.
Most of the time I wear shoes now.
starkross
hi jonny! My name is Kyla. I met you backstage at your concert in
Wallingford,ct. My family gave you maple syrup. Do you remember me?
Jonny_Lang laughs
Jonny_Lang
Of course I remember.
Right when I got home, my mom opened the maple syrup
and she said it really good and she's a good cook so she would know.
I never had a chance to try it though.
sethlang
We saw on the disney special tht you are really close with your family,
has touring and famed changed that in any way?
Jonny_Lang
Of course not.
Your family always stays the same.
You find out how tight in you are with your family
when you're out on the road for a long period of time.
It's good to see how supportive they are.
We have the same relationship we always had.
geckoz
How many siblings did you have?
Jonny_Lang
I have three sisters.
klp90
Do you like disney channel
Jonny_Lang
Of course I do.
It's great education for everybody.
Even my big sisters watch Disney Channel.
airwalk22
What is your music classified as or what kind of music group would you
put it in?
Jonny_Lang
Right now its kind of funky rock, soul, blues.
But I hate to pigeonhole any musician
into one genre, because there's always
the desire to branch out and do other things.
ilovejonny
when i went to buy LIE TO ME, it was in the "pop" section, whats with
that?
Jonny_Lang
Store manager's mistake.
starndasky
I loved your album Lie To Me, what made you name this new one
"Wander This World?"
Jonny_Lang
I figured it was fitting based on what I've been doing
for the last five years
and as a song title it worked out really well.
holloway2
If you could collaborate on a song with anyone, who would it be and
why?
Jonny_Lang
Stevie Wonder. Because I think he's just an incredible musical genius.
He's just been my biggest inspiration since I was a little kid.
I've always dreamed of collaborating with him.
qualitychick
How many guitars do you have? Do you have a certain one you tour
with?
Jonny_Lang
I tour with 4 guitars.
My favorite one is an orange Fender Telecaster.
tashinater12
what subject in school was your favorite? least favorite?
Jonny_Lang
My favorite was science.
My least favorite was Math.
Kind of an oxymoron, huh?
Because the two go hand in hand.
leelue
I love your music and it has inspired me as a person, do you fell inspired
to listern to any music?
Jonny_Lang
I feel inspired by ALL music that I listen to.
Even if you listen to a song and think, This is boring,
you can still draw some indirect influence from it.
That's what's great about what musicians do.
ilovejonny
i heard something about you making a movie...is that true?
Jonny_Lang
There was talk of doing a movie.
I was thinking about it, but at this point in time
it wouldn't be a good time because of my touring.
I think I'd be a terrible actor.
slyzone
When you travel, do you homeschool?
Jonny_Lang
No I don't home school on the road.
When I turn 18, I'll take my GED and then graduate.
silverchick5
When you are preforming do you get a lot girlsfollowing or throwing
roses n' stuff?
Jonny_Lang
Not that I really notice.
Sometimes there's the occassional teddy-bear that hits the stage though.
ilovejonny
What inspired you to write Lie to me?
Jonny_Lang
Actually I didn't write it. Bruce McCabe my piano player wrote it.
I think he wrote it 10 years ago and I'm not sure what inspired him to
write it.
fpickles
i love your song Breakin me. you wrote that didnt you? or co wrote it....
Jonny_Lang
Yeah, I wrote the music and some of the words...
and my friend Kevin wrote most of the words. Thank you!
butterflies33
When I watched the Disney special with my sis I BLASTED IT REAL
LOUD
Jonny_Lang
Right on!
That's the only way to do it.
lie2mejonlang
Do you have anything special you always take with you on the road?
Jonny_Lang
Not really. I just throw a bunch of stuff
in my suitcase and get out as soon as I can
because usually I'm running late for the bus or plane.
angelkin9
What was it like touring with Aerosmith, and do you keep in touch with
them?
Jonny_Lang
I talked to Joey Kramer, their drummer, a couple months ago
right after his bad accident - but he's doing okay.
They're all great guys.
heatherwalsh
Do you like people when you are up on stage and the crowd goes wild?
How does it feel? When you first started your career to play the gatair
and you went up one stage how did you feel then?
Jonny_Lang
Playing on stage hasn't really changed for me..
the root feeling of it all.
It's always been really great for me to look out and see
at least a few people with smiles on their faces.
I always have a lot of fun.
christyis10
Jonny,have any pets?
Jonny_Lang
I have a cat named Yoda.
mist6
do you ever go online and just e-mail friends and family
Jonny_Lang
Actually I haven't been on the Internet for about 6 months.
I got sick of carrying all my computer cases with me.
But I think I'll take it out with me again.
zoogerator
And what better place to go online than Zoog Disney!
We're going nuts with music here in the Zeether!
Each Monday, we have a chat with different music stars.
Next week, we're proud to welcome to the Zeether...
'N SYNC!
Not only that, we'll be giving away autographed CDs of 'N SYNC's new
Christmas album to 15 lkucky audience members
So join the fun next Monday, starting at 7pm ET/4pm PT
right here on ZOOOOOOOOOOOG DISNEY!
Now let's get back to more of your questions for Jonny Lang.
pianogeek
What was the first Blues song you can remember hearing? I'm rewriting a
co-existing song to fit your life and career.
Jonny_Lang
Probably Albert King's "Blues Power" record.
The first song on that album, "Watermelon Man."
karma648
What cd do you have in your cd player right this very moment?
Jonny_Lang
I think Chris Whitley's 3rd Floor.
dolphinlord
Have you ever messed up on-stage before?like forget some lines or play
some wrong notes?
Jonny_Lang
Oh, all the time.
The trick is is to make the mistake twice
so people think you meant to do it.
Jonny_Lang laughs
mmmbop930
I have your c.d. Lie To Me and I just wanted to say that the c.d. is great.
Jonny_Lang
Thank you!
zoogerator
Tell us about your new CD Jonny.
Jonny_Lang
It's called "Wander This World."
It's kind of a journey away from the straight blues.
It's more of a soul record than the last one.
leelue
Jonny Lang, I was just watching Blues Brothers 2000 and you were
great in it, would you ever do another movie?
Jonny_Lang
Thank you. I don't think I would do another movie.
I was lucky in "The Blues Brothers 2000" because
I didn't have to speak - only sing.
I didn't have to embarrass myself by saying any lines.
lie2mejonlang
I love your style in clothes! Are they your fave or are the 70's clothes
just more comfy?
Jonny_Lang laughs
Jonny_Lang
I don't know. I like wearing bell bottoms and big weird shirts.
I guess they are comfy.
joslin74
I just wanted to say that my husband and I both love your music we
played the tape of your disney concert til it wore out
Jonny_Lang
Right on, thank you very much!
waremart
What do you like on your pizza?
Jonny_Lang
Mushrooms, ham - up here in Minnesota we call that Canadian bacon,
lots of cheese and onions.
zkristenz
How many concerts have you had so far? I got to go to bed soon.I have
to get up at 5am for the dumb medeor shower
Jonny_Lang
I couldn't tell ya, but I'll be there watching the meteor shower
with you now that I know what time it's at. I'm stoked!
heatherwalsh
When I listen to your music in my room I always blast it so loud that
some times my ears can hurt ! I have posters all over the place with you
on them. When you travel do you bring your friends ? why or why not?
Jonny_Lang
Yes, sometimes my buddies will come out on the road, but not very
often.
mist6
my little sister is sick so couldnt be on but she just wanted to say thank
you because she loves your music
Jonny_Lang
Thank you!
Jonny_Lang smiles
Jonny_Lang
Hope she gets better.
Eat lots of chicken noodle soup.
alex12sp
Are you influenced by Stevie ray Vaugn at all?
Jonny_Lang
Yeah. He was one of the first guys I listened to.
I think I was more inspired by the energy and intensity he displayed
when
he played. It was amazing to see that.
zrang
do you ever consider doing a jazz work shop with kids that have dreams
of some day making it big like you have done?
Jonny_Lang
I would love to do a trip of music in schools for young musicians.
I would love to do that.
dudez1
What is your favorite guitar to play bass,electric,or the classic?
Jonny_Lang
When I'm just sitting around at home I like to play acoustic guitar,
but when I'm on stage it's the electric.
pippielongstoking
Jonny are you having fun in the zeether?
Jonny_Lang
Yes, a blast!
ilovedotthedog
Have you ever met Leonardo Dicaprio?
Jonny_Lang
No I never have.
jazzygirlz
Do you ever cry on stage.
Jonny_Lang
I think I did once,
and it wasn't really crying, but tears started coming out of my eyes.
mist6
i heard that you dont like to see yourself on tv because its imbarrising?
Jonny_Lang
Yeah, that's true.
I get embarrassed when I hear or see myself.
I'm easily embarrassed.
orangejello83
What inspired you to write "Cherry Red Wine?" Thats my favorite song.
Jonny_Lang
Actually my friend Luther Ellison wrote that song.
I'm sure he's very happy to hear you say that.
peanutgrams
Jonny, I have all three of your CD's and I love them all! Which one are
you most satisfied with?
Jonny_Lang
I think the latest one, just because it flowed a lot nicer in the studio.
It was mostly cut live in the studio with all the musicians playing at
the
same time.
It was the most satisfying for me.
mugler
Jonny can you get your cd in stores right now
Jonny_Lang
Yes, you can!
gretch33
I recently got the cd Wonder This World. Your music has inspired me to
become better at my guitar playing. I just wanted to say thanks!
Jonny_Lang
Thank you. That made my day!
Jonny_Lang smiles
bushalien
When I saw you at Chastain in Atlanta and there was one song you
played, probably from your 1st album that blew me away, it wa a real
slow piece, and the vocals were amazing, do you think you might know
what it was??
Jonny_Lang
Maybe "Darker Side"?
I don't think there's another slow, powerful song on that record.
imagine115
jonny, you are an awesome performer. the only show i have been to that
even compares is when i saw bb king. thanks for playing great music!!
Jonny_Lang
That's a huge compliment, thank you very much.
sethlang
Jonny, we're listening to your new cd right now, and our favorite song
is
Leaving to Stay, what was your inspiration for it?
Jonny_Lang
My friend Kevin wrote it
and I think it was at a time when he was down and out
and I think that's what inspired it.
I'll tell him you said that, thanks.
angelkin9
Hey Jonny, I have been a fan since you were playing free concerts in
Minnesota. Do you ever play any of the music from your first cd on the
tour?
Jonny_Lang
Not anymore I don't
but we've been threatening to play a couple again.
tiggerworm
you inspired me to learn the gutair for x-mass, could you say a few
words on here for my mom to see? , maybe that will tip weather i get on
or not!
Jonny_Lang
I got my first guitar for my 13th birthday.
It was the greatest gift ever!
If that's not enough for your mom, I don't know what is.
kodatchi
hey jonny, im a huge fan, what is the oddest thing anyone has ever threw
up on stage or sent you in the mail?
Jonny_Lang
Probably a letter with another letter inside it
with a letter opener. I had to open the second letter, sign it and send
it
back.
mcorriveau
What is your most embrassing moment on stage?
Jonny_Lang
Yeah, when I spilled a bunch of water on stage by accident.
We were opening for Aerosmith in Minneapolis
and I slipped on the water and flipped back on my back.
But I tried to make it look as choreographed as possible.
tennisace1
i am having a REAL bad day soooooo bad you wouldent understand i
am begging you to write to me
Jonny_Lang
Hello. Look at the best part of whatever went bad and try to make it
better.
A little Dr. Freud for ya.
bzzzzt
DID YOU EVER PLAY VIDEO GAMES WHEN YOU WERE A
KID
Jonny_Lang
I still play video games all the time.
I was playing in fact 10 minutes before this online chat!
leelue
Me and my friend LOVE YOU! and she told me to ask you if you like
being famous?
Jonny_Lang
I don't really think about what I do as me being famous.
I look at it as being a fortunate thing to be making a living doing what
I
do.
Thank you very much.
bsbgrl13
Whats your most memerable moment on stage????
Jonny_Lang
Being able to play with B.B. King.
The most humbling, exciting, inspiring experience I ever had was that
time.
dukers12
im doing a report on you and i want to know what is your favorite song
in the world
Jonny_Lang
If I had to pick a favorite song in the whole world, it would be...
"They Won't Go When I Go" by Stevie Wonder.
Jonny_Lang laughs
goldenberriez
When you were little did anyone tease you about your singing voice?Like
They didnt like it ..But now there HUGE fans of you?PLEEEEEEASE
answer..Cause its happening to me
Jonny_Lang
It doesn't matter what anybody else thinks of your singing.
If you keep loving what you're doing, people will eventually love it as
well.
Don't let it get you down.
karma648
Jonny, I was at the taping of the Disney special you did, and I just
wanted to say, that you are a wonderful inspiration and I hope that i can
play as well as you one day. -Holly
Jonny_Lang
Thanks, Holly!
dukers12
any advice for a person learning to play guitar
Jonny_Lang
Just listen to your favorite guitar players...
or any musician and if you get to the point where
you can play along with them
and you can build off of that, then you're doing really good.
waremart
Do you plan on playing all your Life?
Jonny_Lang
Yes. I look at B.B. King, who's 73 or 74
and he plays like 260 shows a year and
I hope I have that much vitality when I'm his age.
zoogerator
I'm afraid we've run out of time for today's chat.
Jonny_Lang
Thanks, everybody, for dropping in to my dwelling and
we'll talk to you guys later!
zoogerator
I'd like to thank Jonny Lang for taking the time to drop into the
Zeethatorium today.
Check out his new album "Wander This World" which is out in stores
now.
And keep your eyes peeled for the next time his special Jonny Lang In
Concert airs on Disney Channel.
Thanks to everyone for joining us today.
Join us next week when 'N SYNC drop into the Zeethatorium
on Monday, November 23, starting at 7pm ET/4pm PT.
Hop on over to the other cool activities Zoog Disney has to offer...
...'cause the Zeethatorium is now closed.
the Zeethatorium is closed.
The lights are out and nobody's home.
But feel free to cruise around the rest of the Zeether!
There's all sorts of cool things to do here on...
ZOOOOOG DIIISSSNEY!!
