Grandpa Elliott Celebration of Life | Playing For Change | Documentary

PFC had the honor of joining family, friends and supporters for a memorial gathering and second line in Grandpa Elliott’s hometown of New Orleans. Enjoy this moving documentary and join us in celebrating the impactful life of our beloved Grandpa Elliott Small, with stories from his PFC family and special footage of Grandpa touching countless hearts around the world throughout the years.
We are forever changed by Grandpa Elliott’s remarkable presence and amazing one-of-a-kind gift that he shared with us and the world. He will be remembered for his beautiful spirit and the joyful music he brought to the French Quarter and across the globe.
From the streets to the stage, and now to the heavens, Grandpa Elliott’s voice and legacy will forever live on in our hearts and spirits!
Grandpa Elliott Small
July 10, 1944 - March 8, 2022
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Playing For Change (PFC) is a Certified B Corp (Social Purpose Organization) created to inspire and connect the world through music, born from the shared belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. The primary focus of PFC is to record and film musicians performing in their natural environments and combine their talents and cultural power in innovative videos called Songs Around The World. Creating these videos motivated PFC to form the Playing For Change Band-a tangible, traveling representation of its mission, featuring musicians met along their journey; and establish the Playing For Change Foundation-a separate 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting music programs for children around the world. Through these efforts, Playing For Change aims to create hope and inspiration for the future of our planet. To learn more, visit playingforchange.com
To learn more about the work of the PFC Foundation, visit www.playingforchange.org

[@kpslinger6030]

Tears of sorrow for losing him. Tears of joy for the chance to hear and see him. Tears of gratitude for Playing for Change. Thank you all

[@Maximatik]

Even in Russian Siberia we know The Grandpa. Rest & sing in heaven, bro... Now you SEE how many love your legacy...

[@THETexxStarr]

Rest easy, Grandpa. I'm so glad I discovered PFC and your spirit. Thank you.

[@ariesgoddessoffire9314]

I'll always remember you you reside on my ancestor altar

[@tomadough]

The beautiful person. With the heart of gold and a fire in his passionate soul. I can't wait to meet him someday in the after. I'm saddened he's been called back home. But he left behind amazing and incredible feats of love

[@ingeborgsobhe7003]

He is great allways wonderful

[@SussieQ69]

The person that we are celebrating the life for, was a insperation to me. Elliott small was a hero to me,a legion to many, well loved by everyone. He has always looked out for me, was there every time i needed him. We've sung together many times, I've set on his lap while he samg to me many times. He always called me his little baby girl. Tomy surprise when i went to new Orleans last yr when they told me he was no longer with us. Grandpa Elliott small you are very much missed and will never be forgotten. We love you

[@davidrussell4104]

RIP sir. You made this world a better place. 🎚🙏

[@mostlynull]

Thank you, Grandpa. Thank you for the music, thank you for the love, thank you for sharing a piece of you with the world, thank you for simply existing. There will never be another. Rest well, we'll miss you down here.

[@deborl7278]

He changed ALOT of us ! The Lord shared an important soul with us. He brought MANY TOGETHER THANKYOU JESUS

[@gecbucca4205]

Only your body has left us. Your soul never will.

[@sojournern]

Grandpa, you were/are what people should think of when they think of being human. Deep respect and love. Rest well.

[@mousiebrown1747]

In one word, Grandpa was Genuine!

[@lyndahammond8883]

My English childhood friend and I met Grandpa on the streets of New Orleans and really enjoyed his music. We saw him later that evening as he was headed home and we called out to him. He stopped and joined us for a visit. He made us feel like old friends. Meeting him was truly a highlight of our holiday! When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans I worried about him. Kind friends had taken him in. I was a social worker in Florida at the time and connected him with an organization who helped the displaced residents of N.O. to get his much needed medication. I was so happy that I could use my skills to help this wonderful man! He had the ability to make everyone feel like family! I am so glad he became even more active in bringing his love of humanity through his soulful music to the world! Bless you Grandpa Elliot and thank you for loving us!

[@sojournern]

@@lyndahammond8883 thank you for the beautiful story and for helping this man. We were blessed to have him give us his music and his love.

[@JLNawan]

Rest in Love ❤❤

[@JLNawan]

Rest in Love ❤❤

[@carloslira2014]

Grandpa Elliott the immortal legend who will remain in our hearts to ever! Greetings from Brazil 🇧🇷

[@johnnystir9796]

There's a Commodores song called Nightshift. One of the lines is, "He could sing a song...his heart in every line." That describes Grandpa Elliott. I never got to meet him or see him perform, but I felt a loss from his passing. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Thanks for sharing his gift with us, and thanks to Grandpa for changing the world and for making the world better.

[@karenwhitfield5057]

R. I. P. Grandpa Elliott ❣️🤗🙏

[@Richard-kd2kp]

I have nothing I can say that explains how I feel.

[@rooneygmusic4522]

What a fantastic man Grandpa Elliott is, he will certainly be missed❤️ RIP big man. You may have gone but you music will live on Respect GRANDPA⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@deborl7278]

How true the story line ! He was a one man movement. A soul sent to start a change ! THANKYOU Lord for the journey with one of glorious souls you sent to help us through. I pray we don't forget what he shared with us, we pass his knowledge of bringing us together with everyone.

[@kurtsaxton823]

I remember Grandpa busking in the Quarter for many years. I went to his second line, I felt I've lost a family member. you will be missed, especially here in New Orleans.

[@user-ds6zp3pi4e]

I love you grandpa

[@jeanecarvalho7923]

Oh my gosh! Rest in Peace Grandpa. All love from Brazil! 😢

[@MrSfrench1952]

A 'Like' is not enough. Grandpa Elliot, along with all the great musicians Playing for Change has introduced to all of us carry the message of love and music that all the world can appreciate. Thank you to all and may Grandpa Elliot find eternal peace and music on his new journey!

[@gaylesmith8677]

RIP lovely soul

[@deborl7278]

Amen

[@trishlangdon9989]

Outstanding musician and singer! Wonderful, wonderful man with a beautiful smile and spirit

[@tracywhite7250]

Amen🙏❤️

[@juliehall3331]

Thank you for your music, Grandpa! We will remember you with grateful hearts. Rest In Peace!❤️

[@arjivar]

Grandpa Elliot was an original, unique and authentic performer.

[@everestdd44000]

R.i.p. GrandPa. Mon cœur saigne. From France 🇫🇷

[@pat55ry]

Ti amo Gran Pa 💖 R. I. P🙏

[@milesmanges]

Happy Birthday, rest in peace.

[@bear1417]

Some folks should live forever, he was a gift.

[@cruisegirl60]

He had the ability to touch ones heart with his songs. He will be missed.

[@mary-anneswanson8445]

Fly high on your wings of love Grandpa

[@barriepotter3753]

Small by name, huge in heart. Brilliant musician and his contribution will be missed. I would have loved to hear him play live.

[@bigtoelittlefinger6133]

Same here much love fae bonnie Scotland ❤

[@her7443]

Fly away Grampa Elliot. . We'll hold you in our hearts And Our Ears.

[@geroldglocker5276]

Im crying

[@ABressanutti]

GRANDPA music and you will always be present

[@George-zu4zf]

Grandpa Elliot you and Roger Ridley were musicians per excellence...miss you till we meet again and my your souls rest in eternal peace

[@pokeralegriakk]

No, no!!! I still can't believe it! Fantastic grandpa! May God comfort you where we are!!!

[@1STITONOSA]

neka Te s Angelima....

[@rolflappoehn1571]

Er wird der welt fehlen, sehr sogar.

[@Elwing1]

The man was a natural, and it's so perfect that he fell in with Playing for Change. It was a perfect blend. I was sorry to hear when he passed, but his gifts go right on. This was a wonderful tribute, and truly a celebration of his life.

[@descubregranadatv]

Desde Granada Nicaragua, lo llevaremos en nuestras memorias, mis amigos y yo, un gran hombre, Dios lo tenga en su gloria.

[@GEGE-bx3fj]

RIP SWEET MAN GO GENTLY INTO THE NIGHT 🐥🇨🇦🐥be at peace

[@natoroliveira]

Rest in power ❤

[@gerdsiebern9648]

All great musicans and singers. Grandpa Elliot was soooooo good. I wish him all the best on the other side. RIP Grandpa Elliot.

[@melmay581]

Fly high, shine bright Grandpa Elliot. Thank you for being you, an inspiration that will last. Thanks to playing for change for introducing me to your beauty and until the next time rest in peace beauty soul ❤️

[@ninthhorizon]

RIP Grandpa Elliot! I never knew my Grandpa. You were my online Grandpa. Sleep sweet!

[@silberstern11]

Ein toller Mensch mit einer tollen Stimme, schade das er uns verlassen hat. R.I.P

[@prodigalredneck1645]

Rest easy in his arms. Earth will miss your music. Playing for change thank you for sharing him with us

[@elizabethsmith1278]

🌟💓😢💓🌟 A TRUE HERO, who touched all our hearts... a precious & beautiful soul, who will be remembered with infinite love & respect. THANK YOU, SIR.

[@oldhikinthesticks4524]

I'll always know him as Grandpa Elliott.❤️😊

[@andrewdawe8667]

I only came upon Grandpa Elliott recently, as I only came across PFC recently. It take me long to realise what a great human being he was in this world of ours. I was saddened to hear of his passing. He will live on our memories and videos like this will live on. It is one positive of the internet. May he RIP and May PFC keep producing these wonderful videos.

[@rogerbenker1288]

R.I.P 😭😭🙏🙏🇧🇪

[@eduardocrasleileal8079]

My condolences, to the family, greetings from Brazil, It's not goodbye, just see you later

A beautiful tribute! A special soul. A soul that is the vehicle of something so superior that is music. You feel it listening to him. Go with God and rest in peace.

[@stefanoa2330]

ELIOTTE SEI STATO GRANDE E SARAI SEMPRE GRANDE. SEI SEMPRE NEL MIO CUORE.NON C'È UN GIORNO TI SENTO E TI GUARDO TANTISSIMI EMOSIONE ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@patrickdeel4283]

Rest in Peace, you beautiful man. You made the world a better place.

[@aaronz9410]

I got to see Grandpa Elliott on the streets of NOLA nearly 20 years ago and didn't even realize the treasure I was seeing. May he and his beautiful soul rest in peace.

[@AaronSpielman]

What a wonderful person. He's already missed.

[@spitfirered]

He Has Moved On To New Adventures In His life To Share His Music, It Will Be In The Heaven's Now!

[@celineloveslight2085]

Merci beaucoup, Marc Johnson, Playing 4 change, is, engraved in my heart forever, Grandpa is and will be missed , tears of joy, today, again! With a little sadness that i feel is in your heart.Marc, and all of us who enjoyed his performances , he is the flowering of goodness! His Spirit is alive and well! Mahalo, thank you!

[@jacksano369]

I'm just learning of his passage to the homeland .God bless and keep you grandpa . Thank you for your song and wisdom.

[@zefloresta]

We lost a great man! let Be his song ressonate thro the world

[@nymack66]

RIP, your music touched my soul now and forever.

[@ewalker1057]

Thank you so much for sharing Grandpa Elliot's life with us. Appreciate all the music from Playing For Change. Beautiful, just beautiful. Art is the world's peace.

[@kraglord1997]

I didnt know Grandpa. But I feel like I lost my own grandpa. Thank you for sharing your soul with the world. RIP.

[@NuancesdeSens]

Chantez encore avec amour, Grandpa Elliott , pour toutes les âmes du ciel et de l'Univers. Et reposez vous en paix🙏🌈🌎🌈🙏

[@angelsral803]

Rest in peace Grandpa.I didn't know he passed away.I'v cried when i've known.Thanks PFC for letting us enjoy such a musician he moved me like few can.Such a beautiful soul. Desde Barcelona,te mando un monton de besos allá donde estés.

[@bonnielawson1998]

I wish you would bring back that band, my God I miss Clarence, and the others

[@romomhoangduyhung1714]

We always love your guys ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@VagabondiOfficialTV]

Wonderful 🎉👑❤️

[@washingtonbarbosa7732]

🙏🙏🙏!!! - Que Deus o receba com sua infinita bondade!!! From Brazil!!!

[@annmills3163]

💞💞💞. Because I saw him singing Stand By Me on a fb post, I discovered PFC, what a blessing he was ☮️💜

[@NonnaE828]

The streets of heaven gained an angel. His music and his spirit will be sorely missed.

[@elizabethshelly6921]

Bless Grandpa's sweetest of all hearts.What a gift he was. And is. Sending you all big love from Beth in Mancos CO

[@aaqilian5.085]

Aaw, a sad day. Cheers, Grampa Elliott!

[@tracywhite7250]

Only you could give soul to the angels. Play on, my hero❤️🙏

[@robm.4512]

Thank you Grandpa.

[@patrickgiorsettisolay2005]

Oh God I am so sad ,Granpa Will be always in my heart,he ll never was HE IS .. BE OR NOT TO BE .. HE IS ,Granpa music is LIFE when u share

[@tanyaburnett3590]

Love listening to grandpa Elliot and playing for change. Music is my go to love and he soothes this old soul of mine with a wonderful talent.

[@gustavobsbfaria]

🙏🙏🙏 exemplo. Amo a voz dele

[@JdwayneWilliams]

What can you say... It just hurts to see him gone... But I remember when I first saw him on the Stand by me video... I've watched it probably 100 times.. Thank you Grandpa

[@ValTyalin]

Such a beautiful, fitting tribute for a Legend. Rest Well Grandpa Elliot. Generations to come will still be listening to that sweet voice and music. Thanks for introducing him and so many other beautiful musicians to the world Playing fo Change.

[@dtg7957]

His voice was so sweet and deep at the same time! Wish I had the chance to see him live, but that wasn't the case. So I hear him, when I play "Playing for change" songs. Wherever he his, wish him all the best!!!😊😊😊

[@bigtoelittlefinger6133]

Awww man sending love ❤ fae bonnie Scotland rest easy old yin happy birthday 🎂

[@deano4999]

LOVED IT. That is all I can say

[@wbrianna27]

THANKS SO MUCH!!!! Loved him

[@simonbattle0001]

This is what peace looks like. Thank you all Playing for Change. Thank you all as well for introducing me to Grandpa Elliott. I hope you have a bunch of kids your working with so Playing For Change never ends.

[@perlarsen9281]

Grandpa the best

[@tomas5376]

Gracias for bringing this lovely remembrance of Grandpa. He is missed! RIP🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@KALINGANJA007]

God rest your soul brother man.

[@RustyBaban]

thx you Sir.. Safe Trip

[@user-he4zc4kj4y]

I LOVES YOU & YOUR MUSIC Papa ELIOT, FOREVER!!!

[@user-he4zc4kj4y]

LOVE HOU PA0A. ALWAYS😊

[@user-he4zc4kj4y]

Love ya PAPA

[@CalangoSueco]

Happy Birthday Grand Pa! 🙏🏻❤ You came to Earth as an instrument! With your voice, music and love you did plant a wonderful seed of hope in millions of hungry hearts. You didn't leave... you will LIVE forever on our hearts! You will "fica comigo"! 🤜🤛 Thank you for sharing! Thank you for changing! 🙏 "When the night has come And the land is dark And the moon is the only light we'll see No, I won't be afraid, oh, I won't be afraid Just as long as you stand, stand by me"

[@Yzowl]

He will be missed tremendously... God Bless His Soul! RIP!

[@tinademuro8572]

RIP GRANDPA ELLIOT YOUR AN ANGEL NOW HUGS AND KISSES LOVE BUNCHES TINA

[@LambieSamba]

Missing Grandpa, Everybody loved him he was so special!

[@dannapalacios8732]

Nunca perdió esa tremenda vez

[@ldennysldns8722]

🙏🌷 exemplo de um grande homem

[@bonnielawson1998]

Rip Grandpa Elliott!

[@yonigebru7587]

my respectful Grandpa Elliott never forgot you till the turn come to my life

[@rahayujosephbambang4435]

Thank you Grandpa for inspiring artists all over the world, I'm sorry that you have a place beside heaven and always be remembered by music lovers. R.I.P. 💐✝️💝🌸

[@MarkK01]

I have been watching Playing for Change for many years now. Grandpa Elliot and Roger Ridley were my 2 favorites. They both sang with so much soul. I was devastated when Roger Ridley passed and I am even more devastated now the Grandpa Elliott passed away. RIP Roger Ridley and Grandpa Elliott, you are missed by many. I also love the help Clarence Bekker was giving to Grandpa Elliott. You can really see the respect that have for each other.

[@kayallen7603]

He was a wonderful man!

[@choctawcodger5418]

I was fortunate enough to meet Grandpa 3 years ago down in the French Quarter. Definitely a highlight of my trip! May he Rest In Peace.