"Please send me your autograph
and sign it."
Alison Burns, age 7
"The most inspiring program we have ever seen. Our PTA
invites him back every year. I was so inspired by Jonathan's program that I
wrote and earned an IMPACT II Developers Grant on 'Heroes.' The grant enabled me
to incorporate parts of his program into my kindergarten curriculum. My Grant
held such high interest among my colleagues that 3 teachers from neighboring
school districts replicated my HEROES grant so that the chain of knowledge re:
Heroes was extended and strengthened mani-fold!”
Vivian Rose, Teacher, Bardonia, NY
"Out of the hundreds of
children's performances I have seen and presented, Jonathan Sprout's was the
most engaging, fun-filled, informative and provocative one yet! I have never
enjoyed a singer/songwriter/performer more than Jonathan Sprout. He is a
consummate professional."
Peter Lesnick, Director, Kelsey Theatre, Trenton, NJ
“Jonathan's performances are
sensational! He has an incredible gift that has inspired all of us at
Kernsville Elementary to strive to be heroes. His visits are one of the
highlights of the year.”
Dawn Davis, Presenter, Kernsville, PA
“I have been teaching 29 years
and this concert is by far the best school assembly we have ever had. The show
was definitely “Disney” quality. But more important, the educational content
and student participation was outstanding!
Robin Atkins, Teacher, Sewell, NJ
“Sprout's music makes heroes
come to life. His concerts get an A+ because they entertain and educate.”
Dr. Dennis Denenberg
Author of Fifty American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet
“Jonathan Sprout teaches children the importance of
dreaming big through a musical history lesson of our American Heroes. He is our
first booking annually!”
Glenn Noack, Principal, Whitehall, PA (where Jonathan has performed twenty
times!)
"Outstanding! Jonathan Sprout
addressed so many issues that are important to children. I've never seen
the children enjoy themselves so much - they sang and danced beautifully.
Mr. Sprout had a magical quality - and his love and understanding of
children permeated the entire program."
Suzanne Oratio, Teacher, Maywood, NJ
"The children were not the
only ones who decided you were great. As teachers we decided yours was the best
assembly we've ever had."
Barbara Hillman, Presenter/Teacher, Wall, NJ
"You toured in six counties,
had 21 performances and 14+ workshops ... you gave two performances at geriatric
centers and one at an Alcoholic Center as well as a performance that included
disabled/handicapped, nursery and developmentally impaired children. You were a
fantastic success and so many would like to have you return. The evaluations
say it all."
Sr. Carolyn Madden, Arts In Education Presenter
North Country Community College, Saranac Lake, NY
"The audiences of over 40,000
students, teachers and administrators attending your performances were delighted
and excited and most impressed by your ability to combine your fun filled music
and songs with wholesome values and discrete messages of loving, caring and
kindness to each other as friends. The consistently high quality of the 100
performances and your consummate artistry earns high praise and applause from
all of us at Project IMPACT. It was a great pleasure to work with such a
committed (and organized) professional."
Lynne Kramer, Director, Project IMPACT
Midland Park, NJ
“Thank you for a terrific
performance at Dickerson School. The teachers and students were absolutely
mesmerized and couldn't stop raving about your performance. Your ability to
immerse our children in song, while exposing them to the meaning of a hero is
outstanding. We look forward to welcoming you back to our school!”
Ann Gegelys, PTO Cultural Arts Chair, Chester, NJ
“Jonathan Sprout's music is memorable and exciting. The heroes he chooses are
always interesting wonderful examples of positive, selfless individuals. He has
a unique talent for the blending of history and music that the students love!”
Gail Kulick, Principal,
Stroudsburg, PA
“Sprout's
music is all you'd wish for your children…fun to sing and fortified with
exciting knowledge for children and parents … A true test of great children's
music: Would you listen to it when no children are around? My answer is "Yes!"
Margot Gyorgy, Presenter,
Worthington, OH
“Informative and
entertaining. Our students and staff look forward to the show every year”
Chris Sylvester, Presenter, North Wales, PA
“The
best concerts at our school by far; not sure whether teachers or students love
Jonathan Sprout more! Squeaky clean and extremely thought provoking. He brings
joy to learning."
Lizanne Fisher,
Presenter, Ambler, PA
“Jonathan Sprout brings the essence of History with
excitement and passion to all ages! Every year we enjoy his music along with
our history lessons. His music highlights our Montessori curriculum.”
Patricia Slater, Presenter/Teacher, Andover, MA
"I think your show was the
best in the world! It was outrageous to look at you on the stage."
Jeff Ehlenberger, age 8
"I have never seen an audience
so full of smiling and happy faces as at your concert! (The children) kept
singing and humming to themselves as they went out the door to go home. It was
almost more fun watching their reactions!"
T. Mottley, 1st Grade Teacher, Northvale, NJ
"Jonathan Sprout is a
presenter's dream... a highly professional artist with a personal concern for
the success of the performance... and truly a pleasure to work with! He
provides an extensive (and creative) advance publicity packet ...
Jonathan is a
dynamic fusion of talent and enthusiasm, with great audience rapport and
appeal. His upbeat entertainment consistently draws the largest and most
enthusiastic audiences to our summer concert series."
Bonnie Bruccoleri, Program Supervisor
Cultural Arts Commission, South Brunswick Rec. Dept.
Monmouth Junction, NJ
"Jonathan Sprout accomplishes
the almost-impossible. He makes children's music accessible to adults as well
as children. Jonathan himself is a major selling factor behind his music. His
warmth, good humor and genuine love of music and children come through.
'Children of the Future' has been a great hit on KID'S CORNER."
Kathy O'Connell, KID'S CORNER Host
WXPN Radio, Philadelphia, PA
"Our National Theatre
audiences were utterly captivated by your splendid songs and vibrant
style...they all want more of witty, wonderful, super-duper Jonathan Sprout!"
Kathleen Barry, Director, National Theatre
Washington, DC
"Jonathan is an excellent
children's artist. He relates well to the kids and their parents. Tech is
simple but effective. Outreach is exceptional. Sales of tapes are brisk, post
show. Very helpful with PR. My second time presenting him but not the last."
Peter Lesnik, Director, Norris Theatre, Palos Verdes, CA
"In twenty years, I have never
seen a program so well received by students."
Kenneth S. Ruhland, Principal, Mt. Laurel, NJ
"Kids adore Jonathan Sprout
and his often-funny, sometimes-touching, always-insightful music."
Sharon Shlegel, The Times
Trenton, NJ
"This record is perfect!" (On
The Radio)
Karen Holm-Hudson, WEFT 90.1 FM, Champaign, IL
"Jonathan Sprout makes the
most inspirational children's music I've ever heard! On The Radio is one
of our best selling tapes. Kid Power is ten times better!"
Ricki Block, Owner, Ariel's Child Toy Stores,
New Windsor, NY
“When I grow up I am going to
put you in my song."
Doneysha Layton, Smithville, NJ
"The Phil Specter of the
nursery crowd."
Evan Pritchard, Editor, Resonance Magazine
Beacon, NY
"One of Pennsylvania's
best-loved children's entertainers."
Kathy O'Connell, host of WXPN's Kid's Corner
Philadelphia, PA
"Your music has always been
among the most popular on the Imagination Station."
Sam Cooper, Program Director
The Imagination Station - Radio Just For Kids
St. Louis, MO
"..an appealing mixture of
humor and sincerity... speaks to the natural idealism of youth... an engaging
performer who maintains a sense of the absurd without straining for effect."
Tom Armbruster, Denver
Parent - Denver, CO
Parent's Press - Berkeley, CA
"Your Kid Power CD is
excellent - already used three songs for August Dancing Dog Radio.... by the
way, the cover on the Lullaby album is perfect."
Willie Sterba, Producer, Dancing Dog Radio - syndicated
Mineral Point, WI
"A synthesized mix of new age
music and simple lyrics...(including) soothing instrumentals, ending with a
beautiful tune aptly called 'Peace.'" (Lullabies for a New Age)
Lynne Heffley, Los Angeles Times
"I am ordering the CD of
Kid Power because my daughter Amanda has literally worn out the cassette
(not a complaint but a complement.) You go everywhere with her in the car...
You have made a lasting impression on my daughter that has not changed since the
day you performed here."
Ken MacDonald, Principal, Toms River, NJ
[About Kid Power]
"State-of-the-art recording and great fun."
Sherban Cira, Director of Children's Music
SongTalk Magazine, Hollywood, CA
"If you're going to stock one
children's title, this is it."
PJ Birosik, New Age Retailer [Lullabies for a New Age]
"Jonathan Sprout's exuberant
collection of original rock songs emphasizes the importance of thinking
independently, making decisions, and protecting the environment." "...snappy
melodies and catchy lyrics..."
Susan Reisner, Booklist [Kid Power]
"Mr. Sprout is one of the few
entertainers we've worked with who is able to hold a large group of very young
children spellbound for an extended period of time... He will give you a day
your children will talk about for months."
Phil Meara, Assembly Coordinator, East Windsor, NJ
[On The Radio] "A superb
collection of silly and inspiring songs for kids of all ages focusing on the joy
of being all one can be."
Cheerful Earfuls Music Catalog, Denver, CO
"I think your collection of
lullabies is beautiful. It is a welcome addition to our Bedtime Stories
program. I frequently use your LP on my weekly kid's show. "Friends" and
"Litterbug" are local favorites. Thanks!"
Debbie Twombly, KMUN - 91.9 FM, Astoria, OR
"Funny and resonant at the
same time, Jonathan Sprout's lyrics join his can't-help-humming-along music in
songs that will make you want to be a kid again."
Jeanne Kramer, General Manager, KIDS Radio
Springfield, MO
"You don't need another Raffi
when we have a Jonathan Sprout."
Connie Flint, Principal, Sicklerville, NJ
[Kid Power] "You won't find a
better example of high consciousness, high energy children's music."
Heartsong Review, Cottage Grove, OR
"Your show at our school was a
tremendous success! I have never seen all the teachers and students having such
a great time together, as I saw at our assemblies. I have had more teachers and
students alike tell me how awesome they thought the show was and asking if you
would be able to come back again next year... Having performers like you come in
makes my job so much easier and more enjoyable. God has blessed you with a
tremendous gift!! THANK YOU for sharing it with us!"
DeAnne L. Gerner, Presenter, Jacksonwald, PA
"Bright rockin' tunes
predominate on this disc, the best of which is the goofy, inspired silliness
infecting the title track."
New York Daily News
"Sprout's zippy melodies,
backed by crackling electric guitar, are beguiling... clever..." [Dr. Music]
Parenting Magazine
"...Jonathan Sprout has one of
the biggest guitar and drum sounds in children's music, but his high-energy
recordings possess subtle charms as well...vocals are clearly understandable...
lushly produced... packed with good stuff... exuberant..."
Family Fun Magazine
"Jonathan Sprout cares about
kids and music, and his love of both comes through in DR. MUSIC.... Highly
produced with a fine rock orientation, he blends good advice with a mix of
styles."
Kathy O'Connell, Metro Kids Magazine
"Wherever he goes, singer
Jonathan Sprout stresses the value of hard work and patience to his audiences."
The Philadelphia Inquirer
"...great inspiring
messages...loads of fun!"
Heartsong Review [Dr. Music]
"...this artist's unending
creative vision has touched the hearts of over one million people....From the
sweetly uplifting 'Patience' to the downright sidesplitting 'Wyatt Burp,'
Sprout's top quality, no gimmick children's music is a memorable delight.
New Age Retailer [Dr. Music]
"Contemporary musical styles
and catchy lyrics....In between lyrical songs are musical interludes featuring
appealing tempos and beats....Sprout has a pleasing, animated voice....Listeners
will enjoy clapping and singing along to these selections, which offer
captivating music and some excellent thoughts and perspectives on growing up."
Booklist [Dr. Music]
“A refreshing upbeat
collection of fun, toe-tapping tunes. Hip contemporary themes like self-esteem
or bullies are dealt with in creative musical ways. The Doctor is in!
Parents Express [Dr. Music]
“Dr. Music is a refreshing
upbeat collection of toe-tapping tunes. The hip contemporary arrangements defy
you to sit still. Themes like self-esteem, bullies and babies are dealt with in
creative musical ways, and some beautiful instrumentals tie this attractive
package together. The Doctor is in!
L.A. Parent [Dr. Music]
"When they're too old for
Raffi and too young for Nine Inch Nails, Dr. Music is a nifty prescription:
plugged-in-training-rock. Sprout's sophisticated-sounding songs approach
worries ("Dancing," The Bully") and goofing around ("Wyatt Burp") with good
humor and a good beat." [Dr. Music]
Doublespace: Radio Aahs Magazine, New York, NY
"Arguably the hardest rocking
kids' artist out there."
Moira McCormick, Billboard Magazine
"His bright upbeat
contemporary style keeps the story-songs moving at a good pace and the subject
matter interesting. American Heroes is an excellent starting place for
some lively discussions both at home and in the classroom."
Deborah Moore, Central Florida Family Magazine
"Kids Rocker Jonathan Sprout
was dismayed by the results of a 1994 survey that showed school kids' heroes
consisted of professional athletes and cartoon characters. So, Sprout recorded
an album about real people with a real impact on humanity. American Heroes
covers some of our country's most renowned leaders -- Abraham Lincoln and Martin
Luther King, Jr. -- as well as more subtle historical figures like Sacajawea and
Clara Barton. Sprout's pop-rock offerings are flawlessly performed and
produced, if a tad serious. Still, he does wedge in some comic relief, as in
the irreverent "Washington's Hat."
Moira McCormick
Family Fun Magazine
"Gr. 1-4. Jonathan Sprout
profiles in original songs famous men and women in American history who
exhibited more than physical prowess or "superpowers." He sings about people
such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Amelia Earhart, Harriet Tubman, Thomas Edison,
and others. The soloist, background voices, and accompanying instruments blend
nicely, and sound production is excellent. The concept of conveying the
exploits of these famous Americans in contemporary song enhances the
curriculum. With modifications and copyright permission, it could also become a
dramatic production. Individuals listening may spur interest in one or more of
the highlighted individuals. Lyrics and information on each person are included
in the liner notes.
Cynthia Alexa
Booklist
"The following releases offer
family values in the best sense of the term and a celebration of the
imagination."
"HEROIC ACT: Jonathan Sprout
may not be a household name, but this prolific children's music veteran has
earned a devoted following for his rock 'n' roll stylings and positive messages.
In his newest
album, "American Heroes," Sprout sets out to let young listeners know that real
heroes exist beyond professional athletes and cartoon characters, offering an
earnest lyrical tribute to George Washington, Clara Barton, Abraham Lincoln,
Amelia Earhart, Ben Franklin, Sacajawea, the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Thomas Edison and Harriet Tubman.
In rock ballad
rhythms, Sprout paints a kid-accessible picture of each historical figure: his
songs about Edison and King are preceded by recordings of each.
To lock the
message home, Sprout opens and closes with the inspirational "Heroes": "I want
to find a hero. Someone to believe in... showing me the way."
Lynne Heffley, Los Angeles Times
"(The heroes) are musically
brought to life in a fun and informative way... Jonathan's 3,000 performances
and six albums worth of experience are showcased well on American Heroes
-- he's learned his craft well... maybe someday some youngster will get the idea
to add Jonathan Sprout to the list of American heroes! He's certainly a role
model for the Nineties."
John Wood, L.A. Parent Magazine
"In his latest recording,
Jonathan Sprout sings his original songs about real American heroes, such as
Harriet Tubman, Benjamin Franklin, Clara Barton, and Martin Luther King, Jr.
The deceptively simple lyrics describe the compassion, courage, honesty, and
perseverance of these admirable men and women. Sprout's tuneful melodies,
backed by a children's chorus and contemporary instrumentation, will appeal to
adults and children alike. (Ages 5-7)
Jill Jarnow, Sesame St. Parents Magazine
"Instead of pro athletes and
cartoon characters, musician Sprout offers children some real heroes to look up
to: George Washington, Martin Luther King, Jr., Amelia Earhart, and Clara
Barton, to name a few. Illuminating, uplifting and occasionally funny, these
pleasant songs detail the inventions, leadership, courage and compassion of an
interesting mix of history makers. A"
Anne Reeks, Parenting Magazine
“A teacher who has been in our
district for some 20+ years commented to me that your performance was the best
and most well received show she had ever seen in our schools.”
Susan Greene, Presenter,
Cedar Knolls, NJ
“(For graduation,) one of our
teachers developed a very touching slide presentation and utilized your song
“Heroes” as one of the songs played in the background. Amazingly, the whole
school population of almost 950 kids spontaneously started singing along; it
was truly a beautiful thing. “Heroes” has become almost a theme song for
Shoemaker School.
Your music has
touched our lives. Kids today need desperately to hear your positive message.
I thought you should know about your legacy at Shoemaker School.”
Richard Frederick, Teacher, Macungie, PA
“In my thirty-one years of
teaching, I have never seen a program this good!”
Susan Sweet, Teacher, Atglen, PA
“... A truly superb and
inspirational concert ... You directly reflected the characteristics you write
and sing about.”
Nancy Lasner, Presenter, Newtown, PA
“Our car does not run without
your tape!”
Cathy Lazar, Presenter, Tenafly, NJ
“Every child likes good music
and every child needs a real hero. Sprout has made that irresistible and
necessary match in American Heroes.”
Deborah Moore, Parenting Plus Magazine
“We feel fortunate to have had
a musician and songwriter of such high caliber devote his extraordinary talent
to our children. Jonathan’s performances are a rare mix of child sensibility
and adult compassion. By the end of both programs, he had children and adults
alike dancing in the aisles. Our audiences, gave Jonathan Sprout standing (and
singing and dancing) ovations.”
Susan Richmond, Presenter, Concord, MA
“Jonathan’s American Heroes
Two concert is entertainment at its best. Our staff and students sang and
danced while learning information that addressed the Core Curriculum Content
Standards for Social Studies. Our best assembly to date, well worth the
investment of time and money.”
Alyce Anderson, Principal, Brick, NJ
“A unique blend of education
and entertainment ... our children are still walking around singing your songs.
Extremely enjoyable.”
Hopewell Elementary School PTA, Center Valley, PA
“This fresh album combines
educational lyrics and catchy beats to make a highly entertaining listening
experience that marches to the beat of a different drum.”
E-Toys [American Heroes]
“He’s so contagious. His
messages are always so positive and motivating, filled with merriment and joy
and good music.”
Ruth Sauter, Presenter & Director of Music & The Arts
The Doylestown Intelligencer, Doylestown, PA
“You are a truly gifted
performer who delivers such an important message. You are a great role model
for the students, too ... I can’t wait for your next Heroes CD!”
Carol Strause, Teacher, Mertztown, PA
“Jonathan Sprout's cool name
isn't the only thing school-age kids appreciate about this guitar-toting,
heavily touring troubadour. For one thing, he has a great singing voice, and he
pairs it with contemporary-sounding, unkiddified music. His 1996 award winner
American Heroes strings together folksy guitar lines, a smidgen of smooth
R&B, a few handfuls of pop and rock, and a rhyme style teetering on the edge of
hip-hop in a happy, nonjarring hodgepodge. But what's most impressive about
Sprout on this release is his mission: after catching wind of a survey showing
that most kids list athletes and cartoon characters as their heroes, he set out
to spread the word on some other legendary folks. In inspiring and sometimes
funny song-sketches, he relates the adventures of Thomas Edison, Sacajawea,
George Washington, Martin Luther King Jr., Amelia Earhart, Harriet Tubman,
Benjamin Franklin, Clara Barton, and Abraham Lincoln. In addition to planting
the seed for more substantial heroes, of course, Sprout's also lending levity to
some important history lessons here. American Heroes, then, should be
shared with anyone who's feeling a little directionless, and it'll also come in
handy for those whose social-studies grades are on the slide.”
Tammy La Gorce, Amazom.com Editorial review
“Jonathan Sprout whips out his prescription pad as general practitioner on
1994's Dr. Music, dosing up a country cure here (the goofy, gassy "Wyatt
Burp"), some healing hip-hop there ("Games"), and even a restorative hard-rockin'
number ("Patience"). As with Sprout's American Heroes, the music here is
impressively and adventurously performed. Where many releases for kids rely on
the hackneyed hokey-pokey to get them grooving, Sprout energetically insists
that "we're gonna clap our hands / and sing along / and dance around / and rock
& roll!" ("Here Comes the Show"). The songs' subjects aren't strictly for fun:
"The Magic Word" recalls the door-opening power of the P word ("You know
that people love it / That's the beauty of it"); "The Bully" bravely pokes past
the thorny exterior of the cantankerous Bobby to blow his bad-boy cover ("From
behind the tough disguise / Bobby has tears in his eyes"); and "Patience" is in
praise of the star struck Jamie, who has her sights set on becoming the next
Hendrix but hunkers down to practice, practice, practice, "even when it isn't
fun." In all, Sprout in a stethoscope works. If flat, uninspired, flimsily
produced kids' music is what ails you, the doctor is in.
Tammy La Gorce,
Amazom.com Editorial review
“Jonathan Sprout created this
matrix of “American Heroes” after reading that youth are increasingly idolizing
contemporary celebrities rather than important historical figures. He responds
to the trend with a string of songs -- rhythmically vivid and entertaining --
about heroes such as Thomas Edison, Sacajawea, George Washington, Amelia
Earhart, and Martin Luther King Jr.”
Amazon.com
“Students
were amazingly mesmerized by the music and learned a lot about many incredible
heroes. The children spoke about you for days after your performance.”
Judy Niconovich,
Presenter, Stroudsburg, PA
“ Thank you for your wonderful
American Heroes performances. I was already a fan of the concept of honoring
people who exemplify positive qualities - honesty, dedication, charity,
innovation - but I was especially impressed with your innovative methods of
introducing these role models to children. The students received not only an
informative history lesson through anecdote and song, but also many self-esteem
boosters as well. You were thoughtful, thought-provoking, well-spoken, and
professional. More important, you made each child feel good about his own
potential and place in
history. The sound was superb (a feat in our not-so-perfect auditoriums!) due
to your wonderful sound system and clear, strong voice. … in the Klosowski
household you qualify as a true American Hero!
Lynne Klosowski, Presenter, Ringwood, NJ
“One of the best performances
we’ve ever had ... truly excellent.”
Diane McDonough, Presenter, Warren, NJ
“In a perfect world, Jonathan
Sprout’s American Heroes series of CDs would be distributed in every classroom.
... (A) treasure trove of historical information ... A marvelous introduction to
the lives of history’s finest. More American Heroes has found a home in
my CD player. ... “Aren’t I A Woman,” telling the story of Sojourner Truth, is
an anthem for all ages and genders.
This is what
learning should be -- a joyful musical experience. ... With this series of
albums, “failure is impossible.”
Kathy O’Connell, Metro Kids, Philadelphia, PA
“A noteworthy new recording
appropriate for home and school ... applauding the extraordinary actions of
American heroes...”
Fred Koch, Chicago Parent
“Snappy tunes and catchy
lyrics ... rousing songs about American legends ... Even 8-, 9- and 10-year olds
will enjoy Sprout’s unique blend of pop and rock, rhythm and blues, and ballads.
... upbeat and uplifting ... anthems for achievement, perseverance, charity and
honesty.”
Melissa Sodowick, The
Times, Trenton, NJ
“(These) heartfelt songs paint
inspirational portraits of men and women who changed American history.”
Lynne Heffley, Los Angeles Times
“Whoever said learning about the past can't be fun? Jonathan Sprout has
presented the lives of 10 Americans whose contributions to society have changed
the course of history and whose influences continue to impact us today.
Instead of simply stating dry facts and figures Jonathan has gone to the heart
of what made these people great by the use of his prodigious talent for
songwriting and singing. His musicianship shines through on every song as he
illuminates the lives of great American Heroes such as Jackie Robinson, Eleanor
Roosevelt and Neil Armstrong and showcases inspiring and moving portraits of
their struggles, self doubts and ultimate breakthrough to greatness.
Not enough can be said about Jonathan's own contribution to education and
learning. With this CD he presents American history and its heroes in a new and
intriguing light and debunks the myth that one is too old or too young to learn
about this great country and the colorful heroes that made it so.
Carole
Galvan, Editor, Tothebone.com
“Catchy songs ... likely to
have your students singing, learning, and asking for more.”
NEA Today
“Most worthwhile program
EVER!”
Twenty one year veteran 1st grade teacher, York, PA
“An inspiring collection that
teaches as it entertains.”
School Library Journal [More American Heroes]
“Jonathan Sprout's "More
American Heroes" is a sprightly digest of American history that will have kids
singing their way to cultural knowledge.”
Andrew Bartlett, Amazon.com
“Jonathan Sprout is back with
another worthy album singing the praises of exemplary U.S. citizens. Handsome
production values burnish Sprout’s midtempo pop-rock and ballad tracks, some
embellished by vocal snippets from the heroes themselves, including Neil
Armstrong and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Sprout details the Wright brothers’
first airplane flight in the percussive “When They Flew,” recounts Susan B.
Anthony’s efforts for women’s suffrage in the fervent folk-rocker, “Carry On,”
and lauds Helen Keller’s bravery in the lyrical “Keep Your Face To The
Sunshine.” In all of these songs, Sprout looks at what qualities made these
people extraordinary, and then suggests that these are attributes we all have
within us. Not only do kids learn about towering figures of American history
here, but they also carry away some valuable life lessons.”
Moira McCormick, Family Fun Magazine
“Chock full of catchy ditties
about historical American figures ... the CD offers tons of sing-a-long worthy
entertainment that comes in the appealing form of musical history lessons.”
Cassandra K. Hirsch, Parent’s Express
“Grades 4-8. In a sequel to
American Heroes (1996), singer-songwriter Jonathon (sic) Sprout
celebrates 10 famous Americans through original songs. Catchy pop and rock
tunes praise such diverse heroes as Sojourner Truth, Neil Armstrong, and
Tecumseh. The professional lead and backup vocals are easy on the ear, as are
thought-provoking lyrics. Particularly engaging are “Carry On,” (a tribute to
Susan B. Anthony) and “Keep Your Face to the Sunshine,” which evokes Helen
Keller’s life without mentioning her name. The songs provide good resource
material for American history projects and units on historical figures, here
introduced in an imaginative and unique style. A neat resource for elementary
and junior high school library collections.”
Laurie Hartshorn, Booklist
“He’s truly inspiring – so
unbelievable with the Student Body! Student response to him is incredible. His
original songs continue to move us!”
Christiane Schell, Presenter, Golden’s Bridge, NY
“Kids'
music veteran Jonathan Sprout follows up 1996's American Heroes with
this second collection of musical biographies. Flawless production and an Adult
Contemporary style (think Phil Collins or Lionel Ritchie) help describe the
lives of historical luminaries from Sojourner Truth to Neil Armstrong. Perfect
for 3rd - 5th-Grade classrooms, where students can pick apart Sprout's detailed
lyrics and use them in conjunction with textbook info. This resident of
Morrisville, PA, has scheduled the release of a third American Heroes
CD for sometime in 2008.”
Warren Truitt, Librarian,
Kidsmusicthatrocks.blogspot.com