LATEST LICKS: New Face of the Blues

Feb. 17, 1997--Don't be fooled by his peach-smooth face. Jonny Lang has the voice of a grizzled blues veteran with a 20-year old Marlboro habit--and guitar skills to match. His major-label debut LIE TO ME (A&M $10.98), was released last month, just before his 16th birthday.
The Fargo, N.D., native may be the first to record the classic "Good Morning Little School Girl" and not be lying when he coos, "I'm a little school boy, too."
Lang got his first guitar three years ago, hoping to play the Stone Temple Pilots' hit "Plush." He's
embarrassed by his brief fling with alternative rock: "That was in 6th grade." A photo spread in
SEVENTEEN elicits more blushing stammers. But adolescent angst meshes perfectly with the blues' spare lyricism. And Lang is more than a Blues Kid on the Block, earning kudos from some old pros. "He plays so good," says Jimmy Thackery, "I want to break his fingers."