Jonathan Walker has spend a lot of time on the streets, playing music and absorbing that surprisingly rich culture – one that supplies a lot of perspective.
While walking through Leeds on New Years Eve, Jonathan passed by a homeless man whom he’d seen many times over the years. Such frequent passing moments had happened, in fact, Walker could tell the man’s health and well-being was constantly getting worse.
But this time was different. The wheelchair-bound man approached Jonathan and asked to sing with him – which was a complete surprise. And what happened next was even more unexpected.
“We jammed out a version of ‘Summertime’ and I was blown away by his voice,” Walker said.
Immediately the video of the two creating music together, captured by a passerby, was posted on the web and in no time it went viral as thousands were sharing.
Of the experience, Jonathan wrote, “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.”
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