Homeless man joins busker for spontaneous New Year's Eve street jam, the result is incredible

I went out busking in Leeds on New Year's Eve and, after a while, was joined by a homeless man in a wheelchair who asked if he could sing with me. As a busker, I spend a lot of time on the streets and had seen this man many times over the years, but didn't know he was singer, and, as the years had gone by, his health and wellbeing seemed to have worsened a great deal. We jammed out a version of 'Summertime' and I was blown away by his voice so I stopped a passerby and asked them to capture the moment on my camera phone and then uploaded the video to my Facebook page where it quickly went viral as thousands of people shared it ( / 10153924560320984 .
My spontaneous street jam with Bernard Davey was a soul-affirming, enriching experience which summed up everything I love about street culture. The streets are full of wonderful surprises and stories. I hope Bernard's amazing improvised version of 'Summertime' helps people to remember not to judge people they see on the streets according to their appearances, but to always look below the surface appearance and find the person underneath.
Moments like these are why I founded the Keep Streets Live Campaign, a not for profit organisation which advocates for public spaces which are open to informal offerings of art and music and campaigns against the criminalisation of homelessness and street culture (see keepstreetslive...).
In addition, there are many wonderful charities that work with homeless and vulnerably housed including Inn Churches which provides emergency accommodation for the homeless in churches during the cold winter months and intercepts food waste to give to the hungry. I am doing a sponsored sober year in 2016 to raise funds for them and you can find out more and make a donation here: give.everydayh...
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[@Justhangonman]

You can tell when someone has sung all their life, and is comfortable with people around them while singing... he is one of them

[@judecaplin1860]

RIP to Johnny Walker, the guitar player. A great busker and a great man. Sleep well

[@Camuvingian]

Both dead?

[@BuddyRHS1965]

@@Camuvingian I guess so?

[@eugenefarrar1959]

Indeed Jude. Johnny was a superb advocate for street entertainment. He knew the law relating to that, inside out. I spoke with him for a while in Harrogate one day. Brilliant musician, nice guy and such a tragedy that he was ultimately unable to navigate a way through his troubles. Love and peace x

[@JennRighter]

This somehow warmed and broke my heart equally. RIP, Bernard.

[@danielpapounet9195]

😢 il est décédé ??

[@danielpapounet9195]

Bonjour qui est décédé Johnny ou Bernard davey ? Merci

[@williamhobbs3973]

Me too, it's a National Scandal , that we are still one of the richest Countries in the world, and people are still living and dying in our decaying disenfranchised disillusioned City Streets

[@Ricky-nw1vd]

RIP Bernard. he was a great man with a great voice . sleep well brother

[@shakeyourtambourine]

Oh no!

[@GandalfTheSilver]

Rest in peace, Bernard.

[@miameow4833]

awwww....he's gone! Well I hope he is singing still in the afterlife or past his gift to another to use on Earth! Hat's off to him!

[@mouse30z63]

Rip

[@harveyjames6614]

jonny is dead also

[@accordiontv1]

The guitarist held it all together extremely admirably 👏

[@doudsbass]

he black

[@Vlfkfnejisjejrjtjrie]

@@doudsbass good for him

[@alexkon1545]

is like Stalone on Rocky :)

[@davidorourke3630]

RIP Jonny, love forever desde España❤💛❤

[@mrbenn4385]

RIP Johnny Walker. 😢 I had the pleasure of hearing him play in Lancaster and chatting to him too. A genuine soul.

[@loringglover4147]

Holy Hope to the sky. This homeless dude's singing is way beyond what could be described as simply good! FANTASTIC!

[@SirGed]

R.I.P to the pair of them, so wonderful that they both live on in this clip........

[@hallohallo1332]

What??? They're BOTH dead?

[@godisgood2349]

What???

[@sudhindrak]

The guitar playing was so smooth and mellow. Beautiful.

[@johncordey2769]

We shared a few pints over the years...and you crashed on my sofa when the going wasn't easy..RIP Bern.

[@alchivlogs2368]

Thank you. You are a good man. 🍺

[@Mattiac1980]

Sir, I salute you and Bernard!

[@johncordey2769]

@@Mattiac1980 Thankyou ...Bernard often sang in the Fforde Green on Roundhay road and Maquires and Irish pub with mic nights...He had talent but sadly his demons became addictions.Witty funny unpredictable but always loyal.

[@michellekeith5602]

What a beautiful memory to share. It is proof that we all matter because someone somewhere will love us for who we were when we were here . When our time together in this life ends, the memories and love remain as the tie that binds friendship between two souls. And that is eternal. God bless 🙏❤️❤️

[@andrewlawrence7252]

I can feel the sincerity in his voice. The hardship that he had gone through all this while. Letting him sing just made his night on a cold night. God bless you brother

[@RodeoRiderify]

Bernard Davey was a famous singer in his younger days. He was the lead singer for Burnt Peat, a band owned and managed by Geoff Hughes of Coronation Street. His CDs are still available. He suffered a mental breakdown but obviously he can still sing.

[@leonardodalongisland]

Thank you

[@russellnewton6660]

John Brownridge thanks for the background information 👍

[@munta1967]

thx for the info..jeez, that man is a star :D

[@sandy43935]

Wow, I just knew he had to be a professional. His timing was too good for him not to be. Thanks for the information. What a shame he ended up on the streets.

[@lucylouxxx797]

John Brownridge thanks 🙏

[@KristinPedemonti]

Every person has a story. If you stop and talk and listen to homeless people, you will meet someone mostly likely very similar to yourself. And Wow, what a voice he has!

[@joshuahumphries7743]

His voice like caramel Melts you away With his passion and pain he sings from the heart

[@juneyang3862]

When he started to sing, I was SHOCKED by the power of his beautiful hoarse voice! Thank you! It was beautiful!

[@dougoverhoff7568]

Just another reminder, "You can't judge a book by its cover."

[@edaoezyrt]

Those people in the background aren't annoying. I wish more people were like that with street performances

[@Nappy1987]

im honored that i watched this video

[@tomdollar7728]

AIC SKS I'm honoured I read your reply to his comment

[@JEeYOoH]

Facts!

[@ThatGirl-du6qv]

Cirby Shottas same 🤙🏾🙌🏼👏🏿♥️

[@okterlox0]

Me too!

[@mojo5093]

yes, me too

[@bskurbe]

Wow, what an amazing singer!! The guitarist is excellent too. So glad I watched this. It just added a little more joy to my life

[@sylvia106]

Beautiful comment!

[@eifiondavies1889]

What a voice on this homeless guy,in this day + age no one should be homeless,we are in the new millennium still no change to the homelessness.r.I.p .he had a rough life.another talent that slipped by.

[@jaxthedog909]

Classic example of don't judge a book by its cover everyone is born with at least one talent

[@jackclarkson4569]

thanks to everyone's comments so happy to see this again. my uncle bj is with me. thanks u all for not forgetting about him xxx

[@Ihbaworldsax]

Made me cry big man tears.. pure Skill business!!!

[@karenmillar6194]

True talent is on our streets, they come in all shapes and sizes.....

[@vincejon4363]

This made me cry the talent from the very ill or homless is incredible.

[@arcadian33333]

masterpiece in the streets, best summertime cover ever until now.

[@milanstefanovic3854]

Gives me goosebumps... Every single time. Amazing.

[@Helatimo]

It's like the line in the movie Gladiator..."What we do in life, echos in eternity". His voice travels through eternity. Rest in peace Bernard, you've made your mark in life.

[@brendaberriault6251]

WOW.......he is offering us what he has left.........his soul....Thnx for that!

[@Thewoodlandwarrior]

outstanding performance by both parties absolute class act

[@danieltheobald1094]

My mate was actually the one who pushed this guy up the hill towards the busker on NYE! haha small world, this was just outside the trinity whilst we were on our way to the Botanist.

[@lastfreeapache7678]

I have lived in a multi million $ home in Lake Tahoe with a girl worth over 50 million among the Rich and Famous and I have been homeless. I found that homeless people are far happier and much better people. I'd rather hang with.the homeless then the Rich. They appreciate life. This mans voice was spectacular along with the guitar work. Just wonderful, God Bless both of you

[@Lisa-fr1ji]

From Homeless to singing straight to GOD'S Ears. May GODBLESS You Sir 🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ianblackburn1155]

Rest in peace Bernard

[@chriswar9027]

Love it when peoples first impressions are so wrong.....amazing voice.

[@davidfade7397]

RIP to Jonny and Bernard. Jonny, us buskers all miss you in Leeds and York. xxx

[@cormacmccarthy8340]

God bless the man on the wheelchair for providing music at its very best well done to both of what an amazing vice and great talent the singer portrayed top man and tastey git at work to a company him 👌👌👌👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👌👌👌👌

[@authortonyadsimmons114]

Omg Lord have mercy this man should be somewhere singing.

[@johnnysolstice8550]

Have read most of comments here regarding why he was not "discovered"...sadly years ago he was an accomplished singer before his mental health problems and alcoholism I shall forever treasure the homemade CD he gave me which I have uploaded at DreadCabbage/rip-bernard-brian-davey/ where you may be astonished at the range of his much younger voice...we first met in the 1980s and it has been a great sadness to watch his decline these last 10 years...the artwork on the CD is also his work for he was a compulsive sketcher....going to the shop on the corner will not be the same without him sitting there anymore, ...I hope more people will get the chance to hear him thro this memorial....R.I.P. Bernard Brian Davey One Love

[@erinstevens7948]

Yeah, you can understand people thinking he would make a delightful rags to riches story, but I knew Bernard my whole life, and unfortunately his mental health just wouldn't have permitted it, especially in later years. It is a tragedy that he wasn't able to manage his illness, and that he ended up the way he did. I have some really fond memories though. He could be lovely at times.

[@johnnysolstice8550]

So true Erin ...my wife and I have just been chatting on Headingley pavement with some other oldies who knew him well and they all echoed your observation, that he could indeed be lovely...and it was those flickers that we loved and shall always treasure

[@vibeadimeuk]

I would like both of you guys to get in touch with me as I'm looking for a bit more information about this guy. if you still get notified about these comments please comment back. Many thanks jarryd

[@erinstevens7948]

+Vibeadime Uk What is this for? I don't know how to do direct message on here. He was a friend of my Dad's. I can put you in touch with my Dad if he's happy with that. How shall I tell him to contact you?

[@johnnysolstice8550]

How do we get in contact?

[@slavaliss.]

This old man sings better than most of "stars" nowadays. What a man!

[@rhondamartin1251]

This little man was incredible singer and The man on the guitar was amazing. I do believe they made a good team.

[@fern-in-wild6919]

Rest in peace Jonny and Bernard, now you can sing together again ❤️

[@wendyannh]

They've died?? How do you know that?

[@fern-in-wild6919]

@@wendyannh One of my best friends was a good friend of Johnny's, we'd sometimes look after his busking equipment whilst he went to grab a coffee. Johnny now has a flagstone engraved in his memory, a few feet to the left of where this video was taken

[@alidittmar]

Beautiful! I love the crowd cheering him on, great show!

[@M1K3K30GH]

Thank you for posting this incredible beautiful performance by both musicians. R.I.P Bernard

[@ilovemydog6847]

Please God this marks the beginning of a great year for them both and they get a record deal or something . They are both AWESOME!!! ♥♥♥☺☺☺

[@liwo2400]

Браво!!! Обалдеть!!!! Bravo!!! Great job!!! With love from Russia......

[@mistyrivers4995]

God bless your soul man you obviously can still make it I can only wish the best for the rest of your life.people suffer different kind of issues in their lives but ... we just have to move on and do the best we can. God bless you man you have such a great talent.

[@shakeyourtambourine]

He died. 😭

[@adammumford1899]

Beautiful. Amazing talent can be found in any corner of the world from any walk of life.

[@jacquelinefox2632]

He will blow your windows out. What a voice. Amazing. Xxxxxxxx

[@nancyspangler8860]

So good....what a voice and guitar. God Bless.

[@mazen2928]

That voice That guitar This is magic

[@RizkyMaulana-ho6ii]

RIP Bernard and Jonny, God bless you

[@shakhinabanath2121]

Real talent'! These are the folks who should be recording and selling records. Real music!

[@festal1957]

Особливу увагу хотілося б приділити, звичайно ж, голосу бездомного виконавця. Він настільки шикарний, що за одну таку композицію хочеться віддати йому все, що є! Аби лише не припиняти слухати цей прекрасний вокал. Чутно, що колись ця людина професійно займалася співом, але доля зіграла з ним недобрий жарт, і він виявився на вулиці.

[@sootycowboy2]

To all those people who think the people in the background are annoying, you've been listening to too much studio music. Live performances rely on the audience, go to a live music bar and there is a social interaction between the performers and the crowd through everyone making sound. I know when I perform, a living audience is exciting and pulls out a better performance from me. So leave those girls alone, because I bet they made that man happier.

[@jdw1980]

Not only is what you entirely correct, those girls were lovely and were kind enough to film this video as they walked by on a night out. Genuinely lovely people.

[@ratbazturd1843]

+jack mufflez Amen. I play bass and there's no better feeling than watching people get up and start dancing when the guys and I are up on stage.

[@torontolarrivee7965]

+jack mufflez Fair point but they overdo it a little, to the point that it comes across as a little condescending.

[@generallypositive7535]

Those girls were encouraging the singer and getting him know they liked it. And, I believe, they are also recording it, and if they hadn't ally complainers may not have gotten the opportunity to hear him

[@nenadjuric8824]

What's wrong with you people? Those are just some random woo-girls who simply happened to witness such a great performance.

[@clausholm4130]

A lesson in not to judge too soon.. thanks for sharing and reminding us. Blessings to Bernard who is not with us anymore. He owned the song and that is true talent.

[@user-hq1vz4pm6w]

Фантастика!Браво!

[@erinstevens7948]

RIP Bernard. He was quite a character.

[@user-tu7cm5lq8i]

He perfectly sings, this best execution of "Summertime" Тthanks

[@stevewilliamson162]

Music is universal and can bring out so many feelings and together.....I love it

[@29neda]

Супер,фантастика получил удовольствие от прослушивания!

[@gulfgypsy]

This is what can happen when you take a moment to see beyond the outside and find something beautiful and surprising. Everyone is dealing with something and sometimes it takes just a random chance for them to rise above their problems and heartbreak, if even for a moment.

[@DirkjeA]

Beautifully said Nia.

[@Vlfkfnejisjejrjtjrie]

People buy that bukosh*t you're peddling? And climate change will kill us in 12 years. 🤣🤣

[@DirkjeA]

@@Vlfkfnejisjejrjtjrie even if what you say is true, you just spoil it for a lot of others who don't want to be as cynical as you and want to believe.......

[@Maxwill90]

Cause we can find a diamond in every rock. Really beautiful moment. Hope this video will help this guy ! Greetings from Belgium !

[@jdtheacousticanarchist4670]

miss you Johnny, the streets miss you more every day bro xx

[@bluzshadez]

That Senior man is a prime example for all that we "don't judge a book by its cover."

[@Scafandr48]

That's wonderful! Это просто бесподобно...

[@onlyNtimE]

Andrew Kurbatow love you Russia 🇷🇺

[@txrnursebsn8974]

Wish I could've been there for this!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@zenodotusofathens2122]

What makes this all the more poignant is that there is apparently a small audience on that cold nearly deserted night. The magic of this moment might have been lost but for this you tube posting. Mr. Davis and Mr. Walker you have an audience now. It is all of us on You Tube and we give total respect.

[@deathspider9932]

I feel privileged just to have seen this.i find it hard to walk past a homeless person,without buying them something to eat,it breaks my heart that i cant do more.

[@TheGraeme61]

just came across your video ,and i have to say that was awesome. It was nice that you were able to record this memory. You are very good on the guitar and Bernard was also very good . I had to read the other comments and find out more about the singer. I was so sad to find out that he landed up with issues in his life which resulted in his passing. Thank you Jonny for allowing him his moment.

[@pareshshetty4927]

Jonny passed away last year

[@pasisoininen185]

Amazing voice

[@susanmiyashiro9258]

what a blessing to see! So much texture in his "voice"... Beautiful !

[@bklyntrini2u]

His voice is his gift! WOW!

[@rachelskerratt2080]

There's this unrecognised talent out there...and with some of the shit in the charts these days...what?! He's freaking amazing!!

[@savvy830]

Those shit songs you speak of has made you appreciate these quality songs.How would you know the difference otherwise ?

[@rachelskerratt2080]

Touche...but I only said 'some', I'm just saying let there be more of both, so different tastes can appreciate different styles... :)

[@savvy830]

Well said in that way everyone gets their preferred choice of music. I don't you if you are familiar with it but I really like flamenco songs which might not be popular as much as the other genres of music.

[@rachelskerratt2080]

I know it, it's not the sort of thing I listen to but I can appreciate a good piece of music such as it...

[@4x4me2]

so lovin that red hair

[@TheSexy1049]

Wow!!! He sounds 👍

[@anythingoldmechanical]

Breathtakingly moving, and quality of the highest order.

[@solasunny8965]

AMAZING...!!!!!! My heart cries. I not only heard and understood every word he sang but FELT it too. They touched me really. Love them, bless them...😘

[@nwaldburger]

Best vid I’ve seen in years!!! What a gem

[@gerrybrownridge5597]

You can hear more of Bernard singing with Gerry Brownridge on 'Burnt Peat...Brian Sings' on youtube, recorded in Leeds back in the 80's when we had a band on the go called Burnt Peat.

[@rottenrobschina]

Now that was a magical moment rare to find in these troubled times .

[@josephinevrbik2182]

what a beauitul voice, beautiful rendetion of the song too. God Bless him.

[@justgingy95]

someone needs to get his ass off the streets and into a recording studio asap

[@shelbyhelton3121]

yes it is you dream bashing ass

[@12barmac]

Oh yes it is.........

[@HornfreakMidvalley]

or a music bar.

[@brendamariebatty2055]

🤭 Give that man a ticket to England’s 🇬🇧 got talent... 👏👏 👏👏 👏👏 ✅

[@SpeedBowlBand]

he has more soul than alot of the music out there

[@MrRoooRAaa]

Realmente maravilloso, estos momentos, improvisados, son mágicos. Saludos desde Chile.

[@jdw1980]

Muchas gracias! Yo vive en Paraguay y visite a Chile muchas veces. Me encanta Chile :-) Saludos desde Inglaterra

[@williamhobbs3973]

I met Johnny a few times. Both times in Buxton. He kindly backed me on one of my songs: Somewhere They Can't Find Me. He was a really nice man. And a lovely bloke. I was a little upset when he died. I didn't really know him very well. He gave me one of his CD's , which I still have. A brilliant Songwriter and Guitarist , he was

[@jimmykouba4494]

Wow! God truly gifted him with talent. Hope someone finds him and helps to utilize his gift. This is why we should never judge a person by appearance for we all have a hidden talent.

[@DA96]

R.I.P Brian

[@MrMaitland79]

you know shit like this makes me hate humanity even more. how a voice like this can go unnoticed or how a person with a voice like this can be without money or shelter

[@marmelo2022]

you're totally echoing my sentiment... unfortunately. there's never been so much hate and indifference in the world as now.

[@MrMaitland79]

I wonder if it will ever change

[@marmelo2022]

+Adam Campbell not sure. unless you mean change for the worse.

[@stevenmoor]

+Adam Campbell Yeah? And people with no talent should stay on the street?

[@MrMaitland79]

man you really must be looking for attention your really reaching there bud

[@y.d.2671]

- He is himself here and free and lives in this moment only!

[@didierrieder9683]

Wow, this is fantastic. I'm a big 100kg guy, but I still shed my tears for this guy.

[@lmbarak]

Wow...I think even Ms. Nina Simone would have been impressed with this. Beautiful work, gents.

[@MichaelJordanfan1000]

This is awesome

[@rugbyleedslufc6575]

what a brilliant thing. I was lucky enough to play music with Bernard at Irish music sessions in Leeds for a few years, and his voice was even more breath-taking in person. One of life's true characters, a story teller, fabulous singer and boron player. He had his fair share of demons. I'd also luckily met Jonny a few times and he played at my mates wedding when I was best man. RIP Bernard & Jonny

[@wendyannh]

What happened to them? Jonny looks pretty young.

[@tomnekuda3818]

I am deeply touched and honored that I got to see this video.....what a voice!! You are doing a lot of good in this world......Keep the Faith.

[@thanxx]

this is gunna go viral

[@andreolsen7156]

+thanxx This shit is already on Norwegian television!

[@darksik85]

+andre olsen not only there. I've just seen it in Slovakia... just saying ;)

[@Exakta66]

+thanxx Yeah, got it in my e-mail earlier from Trendingly...

[@andreolsen7156]

+darksik85 haha this is great!

[@treatb09]

+thanxx OH YA. i know how they get that effect and it still gave me chills. this guy needs teeth.

[@Pomidorisgogo]

I really hope, this guy will not be left unattended and his life will have changed exactly the same way, as it happened to Man-With-Golden-Voice few years ago. Do you still remember those story?

[@roverman985]

Powerful powerful voice. This man should have been a pro. That voice would have made him millions. I watch this video 10 times in a row.

[@GEGE-bx3fj]

He still has it for sure. I pray he is off the streets, is well, happy and at peace. don’t need to b rich to have a full life.

[@johnnysolstice8550]

well i've loved ye aw these thirty years and feel my eyes well up wi tears i cannae wotch it anymore it breks ma heart to see you so i dreamt i heard you sing again your voice unsullied by the grain and you were nimble oan yer feet in winnin' form an' chattin' sweet there's mair but i'll sing it to ya when i see ya one love

[@user-hw5ys6ng1l]

Did he write this?

[@rbnre]

I WANT TO HEAR MORE FROM THAT MAN!!! WTF!

[@ocean_bonez]

DreadCabbage/rip-bernard-brian-davey/

[@e.h.9325]

This made me tear.. So talented, may god rest his soul

[@misspellany1503]

This is wonderful! What a voice! What talent in this singer! It's brilliant, and moving. Makes me cry. Sorry!