Jonny Lang isn’t your average teenage boy.

While most 16-year-olds were acquiring driving privileges, Lang was acquiring zealous musical fame on tours that spanned the globe.

“Ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to be involved in music,” Lang said in a press release. “Playing it, being around it, anything. I’d be happy playing on a street corner, probably happier in a lot of ways just because there are so many stresses that go along with selling a lot of albums.”

Selling a lot of albums, besides playing guitar like a master, is what Lang excels at. His independent debut, “Smokin’,” which sold over 25,000 copies, quickly grabbed the attention of A&M Records.

After signing with A&M, Lang headed into the studio to create the highly acclaimed “Lie To Me,” which was released in January of 1997. The song debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s New Artist Chart, and has sold over one million copies.

“Lie To Me” sent shockwaves through the music industry and earned Lang bragging rights for his many accomplishments.

He was given a spot on Newsweek’s Century Club of the 100 Americans expected to be influential in the next millennium.

Lang swept the category for Best New Artist in Guitar magazine’s reader’s poll. He also appeared at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in New York City with Jeff Beck.

Lang’s appeal didn’t end there, however, as he headed into the spotlight for both movies and television.

Lang received a cameo role in the movie “Blues Brothers 2000” performing “6345789” with musical greats Wilson Pickett and Eddie Floyd. He also filmed an hour-long Disney Channel In Concert special.

Lang, now 18, has certainly had his fair share of the limelight. However, all this excitement has been nothing compared to the thrill of touring with his blues mentor, B.B. King.

“He’s such a great influence,” Lang said. “We toured together for a month and he invited me up on stage to jam. We had a blast. I’d look at him and realize that I was sitting next to a god.”

King wasn’t Lang’s only musical influence. Lang was also inspired by the soulful chops of Albert Collins and Luther Allison. Most importantly, though, was the fact that his mother allowed him to listen to Motown records at an early age, and got him started on guitar at age 13.

Because of his many lessons and practice sessions, Lang plays the blues with all the aggressive power of a veteran bluesman. He mimics the style of B.B. King as he answers his vocals with small bursts of guitar fills.

He also sings the blues like a hardened old man who has had one cigarette too many. His tough voice has a raw, primal appeal that blends well with the boastful sounds of his Fender Telecaster.

Lang is currently touring in support of his latest album, “Wander This World.” On the record, it’s easy for listeners to tell Lang has evolved from the passionate blues player he was. Lang refers to the song “The Levee” as a metaphor for his musical shift.

“Because of the line that says ‘I’m gonna throw my blues off the levee and let them go.’ On this album, I’m evolving musically. Without a doubt branching out to new stuff,” Lang said.

In “Wander This World,” Lang expands his musical base from blues to R & B, rock and ballads. The album definitely has a different feel from “Lie To Me.”

On songs like the funky “Still Rainin’,” Lang plays like he’s having fun, and then changes moods with the heartfelt ballad “Breakin’ Me.” How does Lang explain his change in musical direction?

“The blues had a baby, and they called it rock ‘n’ roll,” Lang said, quoting Muddy Waters.

Jonny Lang is that baby, or at least a well-developed relative.

He comes on stage looking like an alt-rocker wearing his wife-beater and sporting a pierced ear and a ruckus haircut. But for Lang it isn’t about the look — it’s about the music.

Whether he chooses the route of blues, rock or even lilting waltzes like the song “Leaving To Stay,” young Lang plays it from the heart.

Lang will play Stephens Auditorium Friday night. Opening the 8 p.m. show is Tina And The B-Sides. Tickets are $23.50 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster locations.