Son Meets Homeless Piano Prodigy Dad: I Want to Help Him Clean His Act Up

The homeless piano prodigy in Florida stunned the nation with his talents. After we gave him a makeover, he told us there was still one thing missing from his life, the son he lost touch with 15 years ago when his life spun out of control. We tra... #InsideEdition

[@beebosforehead3824]

I swear I can listen to his music all day he's amazing

[@jas3092]

Nicole Hemmings ikr

[@fuckedupswede]

He didn't write the songs tho

[@mariadasdoresanacleto4220]

É uma música linda podemos ouvi-la o dia todo é fantástica 😍😍😍😍😍😍👏👏👏👏👏

[@kimberlyhernandez3073]

I that was the kid from that one vine..."I don't care that u broke ur elbow"

[@jquan4209]

HOLY SHIT

[@kimberlyhernandez3073]

+TheDerp13 right! 😂

[@yeeturmcbeetur8197]

I'm done. I just died.

[@aaronmann9675]

funniest fuckin thing anybody could have said holy shut hahahaha I'm fucking dying

[@llamasareluf8423]

omg yes

[@GrannyTenderstone]

the art space who put that piano there, AND the person who posted the original video, have both changed this man's life for the better. that's what being human is all about!

[@mariuszpapa]

+Granny Tenderstone Tak to Bóg ich z sobą spotkał !!

[@INRI.Miguel]

my hometown sarasota had a town project called Sarasota keys, they placed 6 pianos around downtown, Donald played at the one near the lousie muesem of modern art.

[@TheShizue777]

+Granny Tenderstone You said it!

[@monicachavez8992]

I thought being a human was all about memes

[@loveej5204]

And his talent

[@briennamanning2230]

That makes me so happy that he found his adopted son

[@yanglin2209]

Yes, hope he'll live up to the best without going backwards, with this rare chance of transformation that not many people get to have, & get to meet his son in person soon. 💝🙏

[@howtowin.facts.7247]

seems like he wants to be a good dad

[@terrycurtin2137]

Good man. Homeless can happen to anyone. It can happen in 30 days. How much do some on here have if they had a serious health problem. One day at a time. I wish them all the best. Great adoptive parents.

[@jesusherrarte5763]

AMAZING VIDEO GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND HIM GOD BLESS US ALL AND ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE AND CHERISH ALL YOUR MOMENTS WITH OUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILIES AMEN🙏❤️😇.

[@jackmason8965]

no soldier should go thru this,,, Semper Fi

[@charlabolton1853]

I work with homeless people all the time. I hope that the father gets sufficient help from the community to stay off the street. He looks and sounds very psychologically fragile to me. I don’t know what his history has been other then the fact that he’s a veteran and obviously needs what used to be called the social safety net. I pray that his son’s adopted parents help the son unite with his father. The son may just be confused by this new attention but to me he seems somewhat depressed . The ideal situation would be if the parents were able to welcome both into their lives. Sadly they don’t seem prepared to do that and their expectations may be too high for the father to be able to meet. It’s a situation that begs for counseling by a skilled family therapist.

[@valeriebaca2828]

Wow!! So much negativity from such a long time ago. This young man, his parents and dad all deserve a chance. I'm hoping I'll find some good news on them.

[@moyurbird7829]

Thank you adoptive parents, thank you child ,THANK YIU TV show cz if u saved 1 human it's as if u saved whole of mankind. Thank u r just words so I hope Allah rewards u all immensely

[@marilenaene5127]

Impresionant!

[@baggerhog]

He cleaned up his act by someone cutting his hair? Really? I thought he looked much better with the long hair and beard. Not everyone likes men who look like peeled peaches, however, I am very happy for this guy and hope only good things for him and his son.

[@grizzlyer2200]

peeled peaches I'm dieing

[@veryautisticchild628]

Grizzly ER Dying*

[@godbelow]

Sloth Love Dad.

[@gayleforbess2778]

Me too I loved his beard.

[@hookednreeled1180]

This is why I always tell everybody never judge a book by its cover

[@amayafuller8895]

"We seen that he cleaned his act up as far as his haircut" Really? Wow.

[@abigailsockeye1586]

Clean your act up! Oh that will help. People don't understand you can't just re-wire your brain because you want to.

[@rafelmohammed8776]

Nice story I like piano very much

[@AbdulE46]

Nice last name

[@pandah2093]

Aww thats mean hes not ugly no one is man what if thought u were ugly 😞

[@lamara5461]

To learn how to play the piano you need patience or dedication. They don’t say were he learned it. If you can play the piano you can do anything you set your mind too

[@FoggedTears]

Being a war vet is not always admirable. It certainly hasn't helped him get a job after.

[@thecloneguyz]

Everyone loves a soldier but no one gives a s*** about a veteran!

[@thecloneguyz]

@Gloria Sheppard no they don't they don't even get a scratch anymore because they're so afraid now they just empty their clip into anything that scares them and then they claim qualified immunity in court police have become such a bunch of pussies

[@CreeperUniverseTV]

Yay! Finally!

[@muspopuspo3931]

0:37 that jumpshot though 😭 I don’t care that you broke your elbow lmao

[@bossbob3369]

The son looks like the “Don’t make me say it” meme...

[@oscarnagy199]

it's seems like he didn't wanna see his dad

[@ianperge7331]

To be fair, to him this is "some guy" he's never met & possibly never expected to ever meet in his life vs his adoptive parents being his Parents to him for his entire memory. Toss in first seeing his biological father on *KZbin* (?!?) and "Inside Edition" having their hands behind this whole story... That's a lot of emotional things happening in very weird ways to process. :-/

[@westonhanlon]

The kids eyes be like: 👁 👁 👄

[@mercykav7488]

God is amazing I mean who would have thought that this day will come.

[@roseguzmanchin]

I don't believe in adoption but this one is very beautiful...

[@lindagonzales3577]

Google the homeless piano man that was what he was called then , Jesus has blessed his life and now his life has hope , meaning and love ❤️

[@taznruby]

....In hopes everything works out.

[@McGamatic]

At least he doesn’t have to turn his head to look both ways when he crosses the street

[@conservativepersonnel8458]

wow

[@craftycreationsofdarksided2642]

I take offense with the voice over newscaster calling him a bum! This is a human being who hit hard times. "Bum " has such an outmoded negative connotation! The newscaster should be more sensitive in his phraseology. I cringed when I heard him say it! Good for you Donald! This is a wonderful story of the positive role social media CAN serve. Best of Luck Donald in your return to mainstream life!

[@marthamydear9179]

Sing us a song your the piano man sing us a song tonight anyone

[@jacksonquan6461]

I k ow why the fathers embarrassed 😭🙄😂 Dude can look at first and third base at the same time 😂

[@alenna713]

Jackson quan Underrated comment

[@zavoix]

Which way is that kid looking tho

[@justadude2398]

bro this kid which way is he looking left or right is he a damn chameleon or something he not an animal make up your mind or how about you make up your eyes

[@prandy9747]

JUSTADUDE2 3 I hope none of your kids come out like that he did not chose that smh, God bless you.

[@vivianpayne1552]

It’s 2021 can we do a follow up story ?

[@nielsfeil7679]

Where the kid looking at?

[@nataleedenlinger635]

Donald was cute in his military picture. What happened to the kid?😂

[@5oulsFN]

Very sad story in all, but is no one gonna mention that the non-biological dad is like 6’8”?

[@mharcabiles8391]

woooo....dad,show me the money! !!

[@sarax710]

I actually feel so bad for Donald..

[@duncanbigman]

*kid gets In trouble at school "Hey look at me when I'm talking to you"

[@judahtribe7]

Boo

[@gilerarunner4233]

Dam hes looking at both his parents at the same time

[@maddypotato8869]

Donnys eyes....

[@ZHR-yd1mb]

You called him a bum? Lol

[@celestialbody6890]

it takes good coordination to play the piano like that...he struggled with drugs so what? obviously, the man didnt have an easy life like many of us...only God know and only God can judge!

[@kaylarenae69420]

the sons eyes tho

[@gghostrrider]

Homeless does NOT equal bum!

[@oldbaldjewishguy5187]

If it's a druggie hobo than that hobo is a bum.

[@snake6700]

Sometimes it does...

[@jadandridge1298]

I had a friendly homeless man named Tumbleweed that he was a hobo, not a bum. A bum is an unintelligent fool. A hobo was just a traveler of the world. I have to say, Tumbleweed is probably one of the smartest men I've ever talked with. Several times I'd talk to him about things I'd never talk to my friends or family about, and the advice he gave me I took to heart and put in place and really helped me in some dark times. Wish I could find that guy again. Las time I saw him he was in Knoxville, TN hanging around UT campus.

[@leecherry7791]

JA Dandridge I like that name, tumbleweed.

[@tdogcoyote1131]

Do you think he wants to meet his biological dad it sounds like doesn't want to meet him

[@kylered1268]

"We seen that he cleaned his act up as far as his haircut." Wow.

[@izzyc324]

Ikr that was pretty mean of them to say

[@Mickey784cr]

+KawaiiPandaGirl How is that mean? It's just the truth.

[@phon_ho]

+Mickey784cr it's rude which means mean. It's rude to say that to someone even if it's true.

[@kevinxu8198]

Wow that family is pretty rude

[@steflondon88]

yeah, the family doesn't seem compassionate.

[@jackso1597]

That kid looks 12 tho.

[@AbdulE46]

Yeah he does

[@antivorg1239]

I'm supposedly the same age as him yet he looks like he just learnt his times tables

[@michelemodro9720]

SinkingBlue he's actually 21 he's my step brother

[@iluvcalicocritt3rs934]

Michele Modro they said he was 18

[@apparentlyisabel4854]

Michele Modro You’re such a liar

[@prestonescola6781]

so they were not going to reach out to him if he didn't clean his act up???? that's messed up.

[@izzyc324]

I know right!

[@darenab2618]

Well sometimes people will not want to help someone who will only waste your time and money.

[@dvader4731]

that is messed up

[@vanthursday]

Well duh.. Being famous doesn't mean people will accept you especially when thats the same reason he was homeless.. Look what happened to the Golden voice guy.. I heard they accepted him back but he went back on his ways and became homeless again..

[@croatialove-fifamobilemore2041]

Gg

[@kkid329]

no ones really a bum. everyone falls down. whether you just couldn't find a house like me and my FAM or its drugs, everyone falls down

[@AbdulE46]

Agreed

[@AngryGnome87]

CALI BOI completely and I don't like how he kept portraying that he was a bum and needed to clean up his act and blah blah blah and the way he said it

[@_BangDroid_]

...

[@mrmysteryoohscary7029]

BangDroid their is more than 1 kind of bum you know

[@fazenippz5808]

CALI BOI no I trip then fall

[@abelle.1e]

You called him a bum? Shame on you.

[@megan_williams074]

What time?

[@PAIN-gb8cq]

0:19

[@megan_williams074]

@@PAIN-gb8cq thanks

[@tamaramadison7563]

He is not bum he fought our Freedom.War is hell it just shows that Goverment dont take care the Vetrana

[@californiacupcake8580]

Lmaooo they're fuxked up 🤣

[@DantesDarkside]

dunno... I loved his beard

[@olgab9669]

same. I thought I was the only one

[@janellechristine1263]

....Same....

[@xochitlzamudio6524]

We all love beards 😎🤘🏻 there swag

[@mdkvisions]

I was just about to say "his beard and hair is Cool and I think it makes him look Younger, I think this was taken before Beards came back into fashion.

[@dvader4731]

lol...loved the beard also

[@Angegirl2u]

You go Don...you can do it....God will be there with you all the way! Wishing you many blessings. Love your piano playing. And thank you for serving our Country!

[@brazil87ful]

i loves your comment....

[@peppermintpattyh8418]

I read he is now sober 5 years, married and living in Germany working as a musician. He also has kept in touch his son, they talk once a week. That KZbin video saved his life.

[@somedude5644]

Wow there's a lot of hateful comments here. About the man. And his son. I mean jeez people!

[@memichoo1921]

Why can't people just be happy for them? Why do some humans enjoy cutting others down? ;u;

[@phoenixman8569]

sometimes having an alcoholic as a parent can be very difficult and painful to a child, and difficult to forgive as they grow older, I never truly forgave my dad until he passed away In 2014.

[@kirbogamer3163]

+phoenixman8569 that's so sad

[@phoenixman8569]

thank you,

[@myastroflight]

+FalchionOfEternity Gaming They could at least tell the whole story. The man's life fell apart after his wife died.

[@vaughnyboy8]

Why does all the coverage of this guy end with everyone pretty much saying "hope he doesn't fuck it up this time"? Christ...this is supposed to be a feel-good story with hope and humanity, and for some reason it always falls short right at the end, in this case thanks to the adoptive dad who can't seem to conjure up anything but contempt for Don

[@BigRichardsGentlemensClub]

Maybe just being cautiously optimistic. Addicts do relapse. Sometimes over and over again.

[@Wyonative08]

@@BigRichardsGentlemensClub I think what their getting at is the guy just can't seem to find anything nice to say about Donald. Doesn't even give him the benefit of the doubt. Doesn't impress me much, for sure! If he can't say anything nice, then why say anything??

[@BigRichardsGentlemensClub]

@@Wyonative08 does he even know the guy? Its hard to say anything about a person you literally know nothing about other than the fact that he spawned your adopted child.

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

dont use Gods holy name as a cuss word!

[@exobtstrash2463]

that's 18?! years old?!

[@jacksonwangsfan8681]

EXO BTS Trash EXO

[@Nathan-xn6ge]

EXO BTS Trash but u got bts pfp

[@isilkaya8319]

EXO BTS Trash army

[@raymondhangs8681]

Looks like he's 12

[@dump1ing.2005.]

EXO BTS Trash You’re fat

[@tuffnuggz8876]

"I just wanna help him clean his act up". Seriously? He's been thinking of you and wanting to meet you for years and that's what you say? Rude

[@shamadubulikabas660]

Sometimes, it's harder to accept that fact. You would not understand because you have never felt his feelings.

[@giovanniguerra11]

+KeyboardChrisMusic He does

[@bubrub5564]

If you were him, would you like to be called retarded? Just because he may be different doesnt mean he isnt a human.

[@antivorg1239]

They seem like an extremely conservative family

[@theboxer5]

His eyes look funny through those glasses.

[@johnthomason1984]

I am the only one who noticed how sucky that basketball throw was😂

[@johnlewis5011]

+john Thomason No, you were just a big enough jerk to point it out; while other less insecure people let it go.

[@johnthomason1984]

+John Lewis you got a problem get over it. I didn't mention he looks like Mr crocker from timmy turner.

[@brococheda9303]

+john Thomason You did now. If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all, especially in this case.

[@shadowhopkins9923]

+john Thomason lmao that is funny.

[@shadowhopkins9923]

+Todd Reeder that kid should be poster child against incest

[@threefootflatty3688]

Since when has being homeless meant your a bum?

[@JojoplusBo]

on NOOOOO, don't call him a bum please commentator....I find the disrespectfully! Wishing you well Donald.

[@carsnbikes914]

They should create a gofundme for eye correction. Dead serious.

[@cjschmitt4882]

Why dn't you?

[@meandme1917]

Or create a gofundme for an intelligence correction for you. Dead serious.

[@stiiizybabe]

your rude as hell

[@godaughter4044]

That's rude and it's sad that people like ur comment.

[@zanelost]

@@cjschmitt4882 because they can’t? Your dumb comment was four years ago, hopefully the years have been kind enough to tell you what’s wrong with your logic.

[@trenchantsometimes5149]

Snotty sounding people. Aren't we special. Clean your own act up by adjusting the attitude and choosing kinder words.

[@anthonyanthony4866]

Whether he's homeless or not that man is a really good person he has such a kind heart .Just altogether nice and kind .

[@anthonycantu1520]

What does he plan on doing to help clean his father's act up when he refuses to meet him?

[@rondohunter8966]

He can give his dad hope. Hope that dad will continue to thrive, get a home, become a regular normal person again. Then the kid won't be embarrassed to come and visit ol' dad for a day or weekend. That would be the tops for dad. All the more reason to stay straight. My best wishes.

[@quytang4231]

The kid really needs to be more loving with his biological parents

[@sutoor99]

big DON we love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@gpippind]

In case this boy reads this, I don't think it's wise or cool to say he's ugly. It doesn't matter a whole lot anyway - people are who they are on the inside, they are not their looks. Look up a young picture of Ted Bundy; he was handsome and it didn't make him a good person

[@leekleek1]

@@NUnbminecraft he was just mimicking his dad

[@carolelott493]

@@leekleek1 hi

[@leekleek1]

@@carolelott493 hey

[@joewogan5789]

why would you guys say “bum”? thats a terrible word to describe someone, no matter what it is they’re going though

[@Derna1804]

So let me get this straight, shaving off a beard and cutting off long hair is supposed to give the father a new lease on life, but everyone is too cowardly to suggest that corrective surgery for lazy eye, getting rid of that atrocious haircut and getting braces would do a world of good for the son? That's harmful sensitivity. Pointing out that outward beauty and inward beauty are not the same is irrelevant, the kid still faces enormous challenges in life because he looks really weird, and saying he looks attractive is a self-righteous lie.

[@izzyc324]

Shut up u just called him ugly u fucktard

[@FUZYsquatch]

Like those kids that are really hard to look at because of their disability or disease, but people just keep saying that they are so cute and pretty.

[@Derna1804]

Crispin Bacon My point was that people judge others based on their looks so it matters, not that it's okay to judge people's character based on their looks. Disabilities and diseases don't usually make people ugly, though there are exceptions. One of my best friends has cerebral palsy and he isn't ugly. I also know people who were badly maimed that aren't ugly. Like I said, some adjustments would make this kid's life a lot better. Let's say he approached a young woman and gave her a compliment, trying to make friends or open a line of communication, more likely than not she would either think he was a creep or pity him. If he looked like Brad Pitt her reaction would be different. And yet the same person can have the gall to say she doesn't make any judgments about people based on their looks.

[@FedUp-bd4gv]

The sons issue looks like FAS..Fetal Alcohol Syndrome...if the mother drank during pregnancy then this is the result....I wish the father and son the best of luck.

[@suntzuch.5199]

Its obvious what caused it though

[@amyntut]

He's playing " Come sail Away " from Styx !!! Awesome !

[@philipkarovski281]

That moment when the dad has a higher chance of getting laid then the son...

[@rebeldog3987]

Philip Karovski how did they make the kid Lmfao

[@Aidancordell]

Wonder what the mom looked like

[@nadiabrown89]

Well Hello LMAOOOO

[@angelac6796]

OMG STOP Im laughing so hard

[@ur_fav7794]

I can’t believe the announcer said: He’s almost unreconizable from the bum we used to know! I want to smack the announcer for calling this man a bum!

[@stavrosgiannaros7041]

When you're on 6 or 7 figures a year and your face is known all over the country! The arrogance of some people.

[@benitamaiorano3970]

The parents did a wonderful job raising their son. And I respect them for encouraging the biological father to have a relationship with the young man in hopes of helping him get his life back on track. Wish them all much happiness and success 💟. What a talent his biological father has to share with us, the world. Praying for u

[@vokun864]

Why did the parents say "I see he cleaned his act up". Umm what act? Being homeless isn't an act..you can't just....clean it up...I think.

[@elijahisking]

Diane Yen You cant just.. Clean up drug addiction

[@crazyartv951]

Its a choice in the united states. Most homeless people landed there because of drugs, if you lived in san bernardino area were theres a huge homeless population you would know.

[@_chao]

I mean he can still work hes got arms hes got legs.

[@scarlettbaltazar4121]

Okay sure chao, but do you know how hard it is to get a job especially when you’re homeless??? When you don’t look presentable and don’t have the money to take a shower, get clothes and be groomed it can affect the way people think of you. I mean from a business perspective do you think a homeless man that has a history of drug usage can be trusted and relied on to do basic jobs???

[@_chao]

@@scarlettbaltazar4121 theres job centres for a reason. Garbage man would suit him just fine.

[@beastvader]

The biological dad looks A LOT like Bill Murray

[@jambij9330]

I will keep the piano man in my prayers for a while. Piano man, your son seems to be a kind hearted soul, do not let him down. To the boys parents: you raised a wonderful child. At only 18 thinking of helping a complete stranger who happens to be his bio father, that's a big heart. He must have veen raised right.

[@sparkindark1427]

R U a wizard?

[@hotanimechick8307]

lolololol

[@Smokeymcpot713]

+Sparkindark im a wat?

[@Sulfurrrr]

+TLM your a wizard harry

[@Smokeymcpot713]

SuperNukeRiley I'M A WOH!?!?

[@Sulfurrrr]

+TLM YOUR a wizard harreh

[@pinkpuppy1500]

I love how not happy looking the parents are. I know they are concerned for their adopted son but it doesn't look like it's okay.

[@diegomateos3341]

Sid from ice age

[@chadditheridge3366]

Diego Mateos omg I was thinking that too

[@Ricerman]

😂

[@mangosamurai]

Diego Mateos lmfaooo 😂😂

[@Hanakin-Sidewalker]

That's not funny.

[@mathiasvo1704]

Hahah

[@damonlariche1906]

I hope he has a great life with his son

[@amymartinez9616]

What a coincidence that they decided to contact him after it was announced that his go fund me account reached 35000$.

[@larrykaufman8100]

Asking GOD'S blessings and guidance for this man!

[@Hernandezzz98]

Dammm ..did he have to call him a bum though? Ahaha

[@eligebrown8998]

bunch of negative Nancys on here for such a positive story.

[@secretlyabitch2786]

Homeless man becomes FAMOUS! Never tease a homeless! I'm so happy for him and his biological son!

[@DocBrown3000]

Really such a beautiful and interesting story. With so many layers.

[@christophercerritos9582]

Like orgres

[@securitybureauagent3714]

Christopher Cerritos or onions

[@horseygurl143]

What a lovely story!

[@arktana]

that's great, i just don't understand why would they colore a man's hair. that's really stupid.

[@nikandjofl]

Much props to Donald for facing his mistakes, and given the help to change, went for it. Amazing back-story to this guy for those who took the time to find out. A lot kinder (and smarter) than all the negative voices out there. Sending positivity your way Donald!

[@randybeard6040]

Unless Your Dead, Its Never to Late to Change Your Ways, This Man is Living Proof....

[@happy_456]

July 2k19 someone? ↓

[@raulwells7886]

it doesn't seem like the son realizes that he wasn't thrown away, but taken away. if his dad wasn't able to take care of him, it doesn't mean he didn't love him or think of him. the system may have failed both of them.

[@ashleyolsen2916]

Why didn’t they fix that kids teeth and get him help? That kid seems like he has issues as well.