This man has no home, but he can play the piano like nobody’s business.
Donald Gould, 51, has become known around Sarasota, Florida for performing impromptu concerts in the center of town using nothing more than a public piano and a flimsy hat for tips.
But thanks to a viral video, Gould — or “Boone,” as he is known in the neighborhood — has been seen far beyond Florida.
The YouTube video shows Gould, gaunt and dirty, playing a beautiful rendition of “Come Sail Away” by Styx. It has quickly exploded on social media, attracting 453,000 views in two days.
“I was thinking I could just put my hat on the piano and make a couple dollars and get tips,” he told a local news station. “I didn’t expect to jump out to this.”
Gould, a Marine Corps. veteran and former music student, has been homeless for six or seven years, he said. He has found his usual five-song set is a way for him to connect with the community.
“I might not do the whole song complete as it was recorded originally, but I [know] enough to touch people out there ’cause I’ve touched a lot of people apparently,” he said.
Since the video of Gould’s performance exploded online, a fund-raising effort has been underway. So far, more than 300 people have donated over $7,000 to Gould.
But for now, he is humble.
“I sleep under the stars every night, unless it’s raining,” Gould said.