10.29.2009

Jack's Back!

Jack Johnson's new CD, "En Concert" was released on Tuesday. Of course I downloaded it immediately from iTunes. This new CD features live performances by Jack with some of his friends that include Eddie Vedder on "Constellations", and Paula Frug on "Country Road". This woman is totally amazing. If you like this song, look her up on iTunes, great voice! When she sings Country Road with Jack, I just keep playing it over and over again. I can't get enough of that song.The other thing I really love about Jack Johnson is he "lives" the life of GIVING BACK! Above he is singing the "3'R's" to a classroom of elementary school kids in Hawaii. What a great way to teach recycling to kids! Jack does so much for so many, I think this essay written by a student when asked to write about her hero says it all. . .

My hero is not a war hero, a family member, or a lifesaver. My hero is a musician and earthkeeper. He is someone who loves nature and loves to protect it. He is a special person to me, but a lot of people have never heard of him. My hero is Jack Johnson.

Jack has contributed to the Kokua Festival, Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund, and the Red Cross. He lives on the island of Oahu on the North Shore. Jack’s songs raise awareness that Hawaii will only stay lush, beautiful, and amazing if we take care of the land that we all call our own.

Jack Johnson’s tour bus now runs on bio-diesel fuel, a fuel that is safe for the environment and can be reused. He comes to schools to tell kids about the land and how we should take care of it. He produces sing-a-longs that teach kids and keep them aware while they’re having fun.

Jack Johnson raised $65,000 for the Red Cross after Hurricane Katrina. He raised a total of $122,835.05 from touring money. He funds many things like the Kokua Foundation, a foundation that sponsors “Aina in the Schools,” a program that lets kids plant and farm crops at their school.

I think Jack Johnson is a great hero and definitely a great person. He is a role model, courageous and very smart. I hope my essay helps you understand that our world is disappearing and we have to do something about it.
Written by Savannah from Hawaii

Whether it is Surfrider, helping schools, recyling, Jack is always there giving back. It would be totally awesome if we had more people that cared about the future of our kids, the environment and each other like Jack Johnson does. He lives this life and his beliefs daily! A few years ago, Brande had the opportunity while working for the ONE organization to do fundraising at a Jack Johnson concert in Hawaii. I will never forget her telling me how down to earth Jack was. Before the shows, he would be out with fans, riding his bike around the venue, as would his wife, kids, and band members were as out meeting fans as well. In a world when our kids look up to some of the "not so giving" musicians that are popular today, it is just so heartwarming and fresh to see someone like Jack Johnson "giving back" daily!

2 comments:

The Texas Woman said...

And don't forget the not-so-giving athletes!

Malisa said...

I feel some new good music coming on!