SARASOTA, Fla. – A homeless man who just happens to be a piano virtuoso is finding a glimmer of hope on the streets of Sarasota, Florida.
The city recently installed pianos in the downtown area for the public to play. Now, Donald Gould is displaying his passion for music and a talent that might have gone un-discovered.
It just so happens, someone captured video of him playing which quickly went viral with two million views and counting.
Gould has dirty nails, skinny arms and a long beard yet as you watch this video all you hear is beauty.
“It is my passion,” said Gould. “I just like to make people happy out there when I’m playing. it’s overwhelming to me I can’t believe it, I ‘m still fighting off tears.”
There are 7 pianos like this one around downtown Srasota. They’re all put there by the arts and cultural alliance. The whole idea is to give access to people who want to express themselves.
For Donald, it’s the only way he makes money.
Unlike his music his life hasn’t been beautiful.
The former Marine says years ago his wife died and he lost custody of his son because of his drug problem.
“Everyday it’s painful silence,” said Gould.
Gould often plays in front of Raffaele Perna’s restaurant. Perna wishes there was more help for Gould.
“We are trying to control the amount of tipping that happens, not because we don’t want them to be rewarded but they take the money booze and whatever they buy and then they come back an hour alter and they can’t even play the piano, that’s the heartbreaking part to it,” said Perna.
With the attention of so many, the only person Gould hopes sees this video is his son.
“I wish he would come and find me,” said Gould.
Gould says he’s starting to receive some offers to play around town. But, he says, forget the piano. His real talent is on the clarinet!
