Last year, Donald Gould was a rugged and destitute drug addict who roamed the streets of Sarasota, Florida, United States.
“A year ago I was on the streets, kind of grubby, kind of dirty, no hope for the future,” he said in an interview with local media. His life entered a gloomy abyss and lost in touch with his relatives.
One day, the rhythm of his destiny reversed – he emerged as an internet prodigy after he was videotaped playing a piano organ in the streets of Sarasota. The video, which was uploaded on video-sharing site YouTube, managed to seize 20.3 million views.
Gould, who was once a beggar, charmed people around the globe with his ‘rags to riches’ life and was interviewed by numerous international media outlets. His life was changed because of his amazing music piece. To begin his new journey, he underwent a makeover and rehab sessions.
Aside from transforming himself and reuniting with his sixteen-year-old estranged son, he will now have his own recording album from Triple Pop Records and a chance to play for American music icons. His first album, “Come Sail Away With Me”, will be released late this year.
“I was in the studio last week for three days,” Gould added. “I’m working on this record which will be out in the fall.”
Above all, he is thrilled to finally have a home which he can call his own. Gould likened his fate to ‘winning a lottery’ and plans to inspire other drug addicts to change for the better.
“I looked forward to each day. I was grateful for things like hot coffee and a roof over my head,” he related to American media outlet News Channel 8. Gianna Francesca Catolico