Part 1: Introducing Donald Gould
When you think of “Piano Man,” Billy Joel might come to mind. But prepare to have your mind changed. It’s time to make room, Billy. Step aside, Stevie. Move over, Elton. There’s a new ivory tickler in town, and his name is Donald Gould.
Part 2: The Viral Sensation
In a clip posted by Mashable in 2015, a long-haired man sits at a piano on the streets of Florida. He tears through an electrifying cover of the prog-rock power ballad “Come Sail Away” — much to the amazement of passers-by. One spectator exclaims, “Do you know how hard that is to play?!” — captivated by the skill on display.
Part 3: The Journey of Donald Gould
His name is Donald Gould, also known as “The Homeless Piano Man.” Originally from Michigan and already an accomplished musician, Gould studied music theory at Spring Arbor University. However, tragedy struck in 1998 when he lost his wife and subsequently, custody of his son. This led him down a dark path of drug addiction and eventually, life on the streets.
Part 4: A Second Chance
The 2015 viral video — now with a staggering 45 million views — became a turning point in Gould’s life. It opened up a world of opportunity for the former Marine Corps musician. Thanks to the attention he received, a GoFundMe campaign was set up in his name, raising $400,000. This gave Gould the opportunity to attend rehabilitation and get the second chance he needed.
Part 5: Achievements and Transformation
Since this life-altering chain of events, Gould has achieved remarkable milestones. One such highlight includes performing 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 got 80,000 people. I got a performance all of a sudden.”
Although he still faces challenges related to his time on the streets, Donald’s life is now filled with positivity. In 2017, he released the album “Walk on Water,” showcasing his unique talents to audiences around the world. “Walk on Water” is available now through Triple Pop Records.
