When you think of the term “Piano Man,” you might immediately think of Billy Joel. But prepare to have your mind changed. It’s time for Billy to step aside and make way for a new talent in town. His name is Donald Gould, and he’s taking the world by storm with his incredible piano skills.
In a viral video posted by Mashable in 2015, you can see Donald Gould, with his long hair and disheveled appearance, sitting at a piano on the streets of Florida. He passionately plays an electrifying cover of the prog-rock power ballad “Come Sail Away” by Styx, leaving passers-by in awe.
One spectator can be heard exclaiming, “Do you know how hard that is to play?!” Clearly, Donald’s talent is extraordinary and rarely seen outside of a concert hall.
But who is this mysterious piano prodigy? He goes by the name of Donald Gould, also known as “The Homeless Piano Man.” Originally from Michigan and already an accomplished musician, Donald studied music theory at Spring Arbor University. However, tragedy struck in 1998 when he lost his wife and subsequently, custody of his son. This heartbreaking turn of events led him down a path of drug addiction and ultimately, life on the streets.
Fortunately, the aforementioned viral video proved to be a turning point in Donald’s life. With a staggering 45 million views, the video caught the attention of the world and opened doors for the former Marine Corps musician. As a result, a GoFundMe campaign was created in his name, raising an incredible $40,000. This generous support allowed Donald to attend rehabilitation and gave him the second chance he needed to turn his life around. You can witness his incredible transformation in the video below.
Since this life-altering series of events, Donald Gould has achieved remarkable milestones. He performed the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the season-opening game for the San Francisco 49ers in front of a packed stadium. Reflecting on this accomplishment, he told ABC 7, “I couldn’t look, I had to focus. I had 80,000 people, and I had to deliver a performance.” It was a surreal experience for him, but it showcased his undeniable talent and resilience.
While Donald still faces challenges stemming from his time on the streets, he maintains a positive outlook on life. In 2017, he released his album “Walk on Water,” showcasing his unique talents to audiences around the world. The album is now available through Triple Pop Records.
Donald Gould’s story is one of triumph over adversity, reminding us all that it’s never too late for a second chance. His remarkable journey not only touches our hearts but also serves as an inspiration to never give up on our dreams. So, let’s celebrate the musical genius that is Donald Gould, the true “Piano Man” of our time.
