American Heroes Four Concert

The songs from this upbeat lively concert come from Jonathan’s 2010 GRAMMY® Nominated American Heroes #3 CD. Meticulously researched, written and recorded over a three year period, using large 30" by 40" pictures of the heroes and an assortment of instructional props, this concert is Jonathan Sprout at his best - highly entertaining, inspiring and educational. The show includes “Good For Me,” a rousing tribute to teachers who are heroes.

WILMA RUDOLPH (1940-1994) overcame severe physical handicaps to become one of America’s greatest athletes. As a young girl living in poverty, she was often sick. At the age of six, she was fitted with a metal leg brace and told she might never walk again. Through determination, dedication and great courage, Wilma Rudolph turned her life around to become the “fastest woman in the world” as well as the first American woman to win three gold medals in one Olympics. In her soft-spoken, calm and gracious manner, she taught us that we must not allow our circumstances to hinder our success.

Song: "Can't Stop Running" (from the American Heroes #3 CD)

“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. The potential for greatness lives within each of us.” -- Wilma Rudolph

John Muir JOHN MUIR (1838-1914), the most influential conservationist and naturalist America has ever known, is recognized as “the father of our national parks.” An ingenious inventor who was blinded by an injury, he vowed that if his sight were restored he would devote himself to the study of the inventions of nature. Gradually, his vision returned, and he courageously took a stand against the destruction of America’s great western forests. With his poetic writing, he taught us that wild places are precious and fragile spiritual resources that must be preserved. A compassionate dreamer, he forever changed the way we see our mountains and forests.

Song: "Come Back Home" (from the American Heroes #3 CD)

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountain is going home; that wildness is necessity; that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.” -- John Muir

ELIZABETH BLACKWELL (1821-1910) overcame great opposition to become the first woman doctor in America. After receiving 28 rejections from medical schools, she was accepted by Geneva Medical College, but only because it was believed her application was a joke. In spite of the prejudice she experienced, she graduated first in her class. Later Miss Blackwell fought an uphill battle to open the first hospital staffed by women physicians and the first medical college to train women doctors. It was her dedication to creating a medical community for women, children and the poor that ultimately distinguished her as a true medical pioneer.

Song: "Doctor" (from the American Heroes #3 CD)

“If society will not admit of woman's free development, then society must be remodeled.” -- Elizabeth Blackwell

THOMAS JEFFERSON (1743-1826) wrote the most influential document in American history -- the Declaration of Independence. As president, he more than doubled the size of the United States and sent explorers Lewis and Clark to the new Louisiana Purchase. He was a dreamer with a passion for books and knowledge, concerned above all with ideas. A farmer, scientist and philosopher, he found the words to express the highest of human aspirations, becoming the leading spokesman in the revolution of ideas that changed America. Jefferson changed the world with what he wrote.

Song: "What He Wrote" (from the American Heroes #3 CD)

“We hold these truths to be sacred and undeniable; that all men are created equal and independent, that from that equal creation they derive rights inherent and inalienable, among which are the preservation of life, and liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” -- Thomas Jefferson

MILTON HERSHEY (1857-1945) was a philanthropist and visionary who found the courage to make his greatest dreams come true. He was committed to the highest standards of honesty, fairness and integrity. Those who worked with him were inspired by his imagination and drive, his perseverance, and his concern for others. His generosity was as sweet as the great American chocolate bar he created. In 1918, Hershey gave his entire fortune to a school for orphans he established with his wife, Catherine. A statue of him at the Hershey School includes these words: “His deeds are his monument. His life is our inspiration.”

Song: "Chocolate King" (from the American Heroes #3 CD)

“Give them quality. That's the best kind of advertising." -- Milton Hershey

Here's What People are Saying

About Jonathan Sprout's American Heroes Four Concert:

"The impact of your presence and music was unbelievable. I am very proud of the students ... your performances brought out the best in them."

Joseph J. MacClay, Principal
Holland, PA

“It was an amazing concert. Our children will be singing the songs for many weeks to come! We hope Jonathan will come back soon!”

Maureen Murphy, Music Teacher
Wilmington, DE

"Fallsington Elementary was extremely fortunate to host Jonathan Sprout's world premiere of the American Heroes Four Concert. Before he came to our school, I taught the students several songs from his new album. They were an instant hit! The students especially loved "Can't Stop Running" and "Doctor." During the concert, as soon as the students realized what song he was performing, they sang along. Some even added their own motions! It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to learn about real life heroes and dream big for themselves. After the concert, Jonathan was gracious to stay and autograph cds for my students. He took the time to meet each student and make them feel special. This is a truly wonderful concert that both inspires and educates!"

Jennifer Tice, Vocal Music Teacher
Fallsington, PA

"Amazing show! We have had Jonathan Sprout perform all his American Heroes Concerts at our school. His newest endeavor, American Heroes Four, was spectacular! Weeks after the show the kids are still asking to sing “Chocolate King.” The combination of the music and the stories of the heroes continue to captivate the students’ interest and enthusiasm."

Debra R. Cribbs, Vocal Music Teacher
Lansdale, PA

"Jonathan has performed at our school several times and his new CD was once again a big hit. The students and teachers raved about his performance. His songs about American heroes made learning enjoyable and entertaining. We look forward to his next visit!"

Mary Raefski, Presenter
High Bridge, NJ

"Jonathan's show was awesome. The students were engaged the entire time. The choice of heroes clearly conveyed the message to always keep trying and you will achieve your dreams."

Brian Stevens, Principal
Plainsboro, NJ

"The children sat on the gym floor in rapt attention as singer/songwriter Jonathan Sprout took the stage. He told them they had to play "The Guessing Game." They sat up tall, hanging on his every word. As Sprout fired off facts and details about the Hero whose song he was about to sing, hands began to fly up until finally, one student was chosen to proudly speak the answer into the wireless microphone.

Thus began an hour long concert of songs from Jonathan Sprout's latest CD, American Heroes #3. Mr. Sprout read more than 70 books and spent over a year researching various Americans whose lives provide valuable lessons in perseverance. Milton Hershey gave away his fortune to establish a school for orphans. Wilma Rudolph overcame poverty and childhood disability to become the fastest woman in America, winning 3 gold medals in the Olympics. John Muir fought to preserve the Redwood Forest for future generations. Elizabeth Blackwell bucked the prejudices of her time to become the first female doctor in America.

These songs educate and inspire. Each song has a hook that tends to replay in the mind: singable and catchy. Sprout calls his music "rock 'n roll," but other styles infuse this, his 9th recording, as well. Pop, funk, gospel and Latin can be heard in the rhythms and back-ups of this sophisticated effort. The grooves are infectious, and often danceable.

Mr. Sprout's persona on stage is that of a kindly uncle, but when he straps on his guitar (he plays both acoustic and electric in the show), "Cool!" is the response heard from the mouths of many in the audience. His voice is warm and expressive. His occasional use of humor in his vocal production delighted the young audience. Many were eager to buy the CD so they could listen to their favorite songs at home."
Karen Bartholomew, Music Teacher
Lincoln Park, NJ

"The American Heroes Four Concert exceeded our expectations. It was truly wonderful! ... enthusiastically received and enjoyed by our entire staff and student body ... Jonathan Sprout researches the most unique historical figures, makes them come alive and relevant for children, and then turns them into rhythmical and catchy rock music as well as beautiful ballads. ...Response was amazing from Pre-Kindergarten to our eighth graders. Jonathan Sprout is a true hero himself for bringing the past into the present and inspiring all of us to dream and fulfill our potential."

Dora Damiano Mavellia, Presenter
Yardley, PA

"I can't thank you enough for a wonderful concert! My son is raving about you and both of my kids are listening to your CD right now! You are extremely talented. (Our assistant principal's) exact words were 'we need him back every year.'"

Birgit Sperling, Presenter
Plainsboro, NJ

"Jonathan Sprout is a good and awesome singer. He has a good and smooth vocal cord ... My favorite song he sang was the Wilma song. I cannot believe that he is such a good singer. Jonathan Sprout rocks. I think that he will have a great career."

Matthew F. , 5th Grade Student, NJ

"Jon Sprout is very different in a good way. He is very good with kids. I know, I saw two of his concerts ... He is awesome. He sings his songs in a different way. It is cool that he does that. He also has some funny dance moves. My favorite song is "Can't Stop Running." That was very fun. I think you should go to one of his concerts."

Samantha I., 5th Grade Student, NJ

"Jonathan Sprout's music is amazing. The way he words it is just really good. The whole school loved it. It is great."

Carly J., 5th Grade Student, NJ