When you hear the term “Piano Man,” Billy Joel might come to mind. But get ready to be blown away by a new talent in town. Meet Donald Gould, a man who has taken the world by storm with his incredible piano skills.

In a viral video that was posted by Mashable in 2015, we see Donald Gould, long hair flowing and the picture of dishevelment, 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 onlooker 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? His name is 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, that viral video served as 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. A GoFundMe campaign was created in his name, which raised 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.

And Donald’s journey didn’t stop there. In 2017, he released his album “Walk on Water,” sharing his unique talents with audiences around the world. The album, which is now available through Triple Pop Records, truly captures the essence of his musical genius.

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. Let’s celebrate Donald Gould, the true “Piano Man” of our time.

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