The Sarasota homeless man who became famous after a video of him playing the piano went viral is working on an album.
- Donald Gould was homeless when a video of him playing piano on the street went viral
- Viral video lead to recording contract, studio album
Donald Gould was an addict and had lost motivation in his life.
"A year ago I was on the streets, kind of grubby, kind of dirty, no hope for the future” he said.
One viral video later and now his life has turned around.
"That stroke of luck was dropped in my lap and I think I was smart enough to realize what I had on my hands, and say 'yeah, I am a musician,'" he said
Gould is no longer filling his hat with change. He has signed with a record label and will be releasing his first album. The first single will be "Come Sail Away with Me."
"I was in the studio last week for three days,” said Donald Gould. “I’m working on this record which will be out in the fall.”
He compares the dream to winning the lottery, and is now inspiring others.
"I hear story after story of how other people have been affected by my story,” he said.
Besides a new look and new recording contract, there are many new things coming up this year for Gould’s life.
One thing he said he’s most excited for is to finally have a home of his own. He said whether on the streets or in a recording studio, entertaining people will always be his way of life.
Gould's album is already on iTunes for pre-sale. His next goal is to get on "The Tonight Show" and play "Come Sail Away with Me" with Jimmy Fallon.