Homeless Veteran Gained Attention With His Piano Skills But He Still Faces Challenges

Sep 21, 2023 by apost team

In 2015, a viral YouTube video transformed a homeless veteran's life. At that time, Donald Gould, a former member of the U.S. Marine Corps who studied music at Spring Arbor University, fell into financial hardship and dealt with substance abuse addiction.

In 1998, tragedy struck Gould when his wife died by suicide, resulting in the loss of his 3-year-old son under his care. He also lost his home in the process.

Moving to Florida after hitting rock bottom, Gould hurdled through this hardship by keeping his musical spirit alive. He gained recognition in Sarasota through the "Sarasota Keys" project, which placed public pianos around the city for passersby to play. At first, Gould played the public piano, hoping to earn a few extra bucks. But that instrument changed his life when someone recorded the homeless man as he played Styx’s “Come Sail Away” in 2015.

Aurore Henry, the person who took and uploaded the video, was astounded by Gould's talent. The video quickly went viral, amassing over two million views in just two days, per ABC News. Strangers reached out to help after the video's success, with a local restaurant offering him an audition for their piano bar. 

Media outlets dubbed him the "Piano Man" and made Gould a national sensation. Inside Edition gave him a makeover, providing him with a haircut, shave, new clothes, and the chance to perform in front of a live audience. The makeover opened doors for him to sing the National Anthem at an NFL Game in California, as witnessed by over 75,000 spectators.

Inside Edition also tracked down Gould’s son. Donnie, who was adopted by a loving couple, after he lost his parents, found out about Gould after his adoptive mom and dad told him of the media coverage. Donnie agreed to speak with his father via Facetime, hoping that it would help as Gould pursued rehabilitation for his addiction.

When the media frenzy died down in 2016, Gould went on to record his cover version of "Come Sail Away" with an independent record label, Triple Pop. The company also released his debut album "Walk on Water" in 2017. 

For the next few years, Gould continued to make music and kept his life together. He spent several years in Germany while pursuing a relationship “out of the media spotlight,” according to a Facebook update in October 2021. He posted a video to let his fans know of his intention to make more music after a long break. 

"I've been gone for a while but I'm back and I'm feeling good and I'm doing well. Thank you guys for all your support,” he said. “We’ll have some good news for you.”

In November 2021, The Epoch Times reported that Gould was working on his musical biopic. The following year, an update from Triple Pop revealed that Gould was arrested for a minor drug possession offense charge.

"Though he's been in rehab before, it's not been long term and not with mental health treatment; we're hoping this time he can get real long term treatment and that he's able to stick with it," Monte Robison of Triple Pop wrote. 

Mugshots Sarasota reported that Gould was booked again on Sept. 14, 2023, for drug possession.

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Donald Gould's journey of hope, change and despair may help raise awareness about addiction, mental health, and the importance of long-term treatment. We hope that Gould may once again find recovery, as he has in the past. Do you know someone who might be interested in Gould? Then pass this story along!