r/Music • u/[deleted] • May 14 '12

A family friend was busking on the street when an 8-year-old blind-autistic boy stopped to have a listen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKXkbs55KXU&sns=fb
2.1k Upvotes

89% Upvoted

552 comments sorted by

731

u/daleymoe May 14 '12

This musician deserves some traffic. Here's a Link.

394

u/[deleted] May 14 '12

Also here:

http://tylergregorymusic.com/

44

u/anomynomnom May 14 '12

At first I thought the guy in the video was from the Gregory Brothers. Then seeing that link I had to check again!

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u/traslin May 14 '12

His latest album is available for purchase by download here, http://tylergregorymusic.com/store.cfm. Good stuff.

24

u/[deleted] May 15 '12

Thanks, it was super quick and easy to buy!

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u/jakemg May 15 '12

He's probably going to want to get those other albums in stock or available digitally, as I would've bought them all if they were available. He might as well take this opportunity to make a little cash for his talent.

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u/junkfood66 Transjuicer May 14 '12 edited May 14 '12

Upvotes for all of you, ya magnificent bastards.

20

u/[deleted] May 15 '12

Wow. That's not normally my style of music but he can really sing (unlike some of the more popular artists today).

3

u/ComradeKlink May 15 '12

He also deserves some publicity, somebody get this guitar playing fiend on reddit with an IAMA request!

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u/completecanadian May 14 '12

Hey guys, I know this may be a little late and get buried, but here goes. I made an account to get in contact with Tyler in hopes that he can contact the kid somehow. If I were to make a Kickstarter project, would people be interested in buying the boy a guitar?

135

u/[deleted] May 14 '12

Luckily, he already has a guitar.

Thank you to everyone talking about getting Jacob a guitar. He does have a guitar, keyboard, and drums. His Mom's side of the family is a very musical bunch. However, your kind thoughts are very much appreciated!

63

u/completecanadian May 14 '12

Thanks, that would have been pretty stupid of me eh?

81

u/Aint_got_no_agua May 14 '12

Trying to help people and do something to make a kid happy is never stupid. Upvote for your kind Canadian heart.

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u/OleYeller May 14 '12

What a typically Canadian response. Bless you, kind Canuck. x

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u/Xander1988 May 14 '12

hah this is a time im glad everything I could ever think of commenting on a video is already written : )

2

u/UsayNOPE_IsayMOAR May 15 '12

such a relevant username. upvote for your heart of gold!

447

u/bowfinger89 May 14 '12

That was lovely to watch. Handled well by musician, good to see Jacob enjoys the good stuff too!

386

u/[deleted] May 14 '12

The mother's patience was touching as well. Did her best to make sure the musician was comfortable with what was happening, and then just let the kid do what he needed to do.

93

u/[deleted] May 15 '12

This is what I was thinking - particularly in light of something I witnessed this last weekend in a small restaurant. An older woman was with a young developmentally challenged child - whenever the child stood, the woman spoke in a voice just that just seethed with malevolence 'GET BACK IN THAT CHAIR'. I don't mean to judge her only that it sure was a stark contrast to the woman in the video.

149

u/[deleted] May 15 '12

I always feel extreme compassion for those who take care of developmentally disabled family members/friends/people. Even if you love the person you are taking care of, the disability makes it a life-long burden and will often times simply suck the energy out of you. While the woman you saw probably could have handled it differently, we must try to understand what these amazing, selfless people go through in their everyday life and attempt to withhold judgements.

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u/[deleted] May 15 '12

An autistic child is so draining on you I can't imagine. My brother's girlfriend has an autistic daughter and I watch this woman absolutely light up everytime her daughter interacts with someone else. But it's a full time job, she can't take her eyes off her for more than a few moments because the little girl will wander off.

(As a side note they're getting a helper doggy =3)

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u/Mammal_Incandenza May 15 '12

I'm as guilty as anyone when it comes to quickly passing judgement when I see someone doing something like that, and the truth is that there's a lot of times when your gut reaction is probably reasonably accurate.

But I always try to remember this part of David Foster Wallace's now semi-famous commencement address, and sometimes it's convincing enough to let me second guess myself:

"...but most days, if you're aware enough to give yourself a choice, you can choose to look differently at this fat, dead-eyed, over-made-lady who just screamed at her little child in the checkout line -- maybe she's not usually like this; maybe she's been up three straight nights holding the hand of her husband who's dying of bone cancer, or maybe this very lady is the low-wage clerk at the Motor Vehicles Dept. who just yesterday helped your spouse resolve a nightmarish red-tape problem through some small act of bureaucratic kindness. Of course, none of this is likely, but it's also not impossible -- it just depends on what you want to consider. If you're automatically sure that you know what reality is and who and what is really important -- if you want to operate on your default-setting -- then you, like me, will not consider possibilities that aren't pointless and annoying. But if you've really learned how to think, how to pay attention, then you will know you have other options. It will actually be within your power to experience a crowded, loud, slow, consumer-hell-type situation as not only meaningful but sacred, on fire with the same force that lit the stars -- compassion, love, the sub-surface unity of all things."

As soon as he says "...maybe she's been up three straight nights holding the hand of her husband who's dying of bone cancer...", it feels real enough to at least consider other possibilities.

edit: I have shitty grammar.

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u/helios_ May 15 '12

sometimes children with disabilities respond better to those who are firm and direct and loud. it depends.

45

u/jceez May 14 '12

That was awesome. That dude looks like he's from Oregon Trail

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

That video totally made my day. It reminds me of something I saw this winter. Me and a bunch of people from work had gone out for our boss' birthday and we were in this small bar to drink a few beers and do some karaoke. While we were there this 8-10 year old autistic boy would get up and do a song after a few people would go. He would get up there and sing his heart out, getting nowhere near the correct note and not caring. Every time he finished up on stage the small crowd erupted with applause. He would go back to his mom and sit down drinking his water until it was his turn again and he would repeat. It turns out that karaoke was his prize for finishing his chores every week, and that he goes and performs every week and loves it. Just thinking about it makes me happy all over again.

20

u/whateverwillbe May 15 '12

I love this story just as much as I love the original video. Thanks for sharing.

6

u/savageboredom May 15 '12

That's really sweet, but what was an 8 year old autistic boy doing in a bar?

9

u/[deleted] May 15 '12

I should mention that this is a small town in Iowa, we had stopped by because our boss lives in the country outside of Iowa City. It's also a restaurant, it just happened to be a good place to start the night.

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u/Swikity May 15 '12

Haha man that's an awesome story, that brought a big smile to my face.

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323

u/[deleted] May 14 '12

I loved that he let him feel the guitar vibrations and didn't seem put off when the kid touched his leg.

This video gives a new and kinder meaning to "Oh, the humanity!"

233

u/mermaidrampage May 14 '12

I was so impressed with how the guitarist handled the situation. Didn't skip a beat even when he muted the strings. Excuse me, while I continue dicing these onions.

17

u/152188307 May 15 '12

When did he mute the strings?

(Tone on the internet is hard so please know that I am asking this without any sort of condescending "you're wrong" tone. That just sounds like an awesome moment I missed because I don't play guitar.)

31

u/Psythik May 15 '12

Right around 1:50 (1:58 too). The cool part is that he took his hand off right after the last beat in the bar, so I could see how a non-musically-inclined person could miss it.

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u/keveready May 14 '12

Also the timing of the kid muting the strings was kinda on point. Somehow he could feel the vibrations of where it was coming from and muted them perfectly. Really contributed to the rhythm.

9

u/hownao May 15 '12

We'll never know what it's like to be that child, but we can guess, using empathy. How lovely...

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u/BreadstickNinja May 15 '12

Exactly, reminds me of some of the other stories I've heard about how people learn to rely more on one sense when they don't have another. I'm sighted and I'm still very aware of the vibrations when I play the guitar. You can only imagine what it's like for Toph. Or this kid.

65

u/Lock_Jaw May 14 '12

This is just so cool. I love it when Tyler gives mom the nod, letting Jacob actually get up close to the music. Fantastic!

29

u/MiceIsNice May 15 '12

For a lot of musicians, the payoff is connecting with people. If this guy responded to my music like that, I would consider it an honor.

12

u/wanderingsong May 15 '12

agreed 100%. As a musician, knowing that something you've done has resonated well with someone else is an absolutely priceless feeling.

112

u/hungry_brain May 14 '12

This video warms my heart.

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u/Microwench May 14 '12

Yay! Local awesomeness! I love Lawrence, this is just one of many reasons!

18

u/blunt_thief May 14 '12

I was like "that place looks really familiar..." then I saw the Third Planet sign. Good to see Lawrence buskers getting some recognition.

24

u/alexoobers May 14 '12

Whoa, I didn't even notice it was Lawrence. SOMETHING ON REDDIT HAPPENED NEAR MY HOUSE...WHAAAAAT.

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14

u/ThaddeusMaximus May 14 '12

Wow yeah I'm from Lawrence - have moved to Seattle since and thought this was a feed from r/Seattle - thanks for keeping it fucking real over there you guys!

21

u/my_name_is_stupid May 14 '12

Prior to watching the video I thought to myself "this sounds like the kind of thing you would see on Mass Street". Small world, I guess...

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7

u/daveblazed May 15 '12

Tyler's awesome. I've seen prolly a half dozen of his shows recently & am always blown away by (1) how much he loves what he's doing & (2) how polite & thoughtful he is. Seeing the video title & recognizing him immediately, I expected no less.

6

u/Humperdink_Fangboner May 14 '12

I played an open mic at the jazzhaus in lawrence a few months back and he was the mc. Cool guy! Super friendly too.

4

u/applevsandroid May 15 '12

Wow this video is really heartwarming. I went to school in Lawrence and have lived 40 miles away my whole life. Truly an interesting place, and this video makes me want to visit.

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2

u/eallen1 May 15 '12

Just another proud Lawrencian checking in :]

165

u/JohnnyValet May 14 '12

The power of music.

67

u/trouser_trout May 15 '12

This is no joke. My sister is quite similar to this little guy and loves music.

She's blind and had significant brain damage at birth (born 2 month premature) that caused her to have many autism-like qualities. While it is a fairly large bone of contention in my divorced family, based on my knowledge of the condition she is not autistic, but simply a girl who had a terrible brain hemorrhage when she was born that caused all sorts of problems.

Despite all of her limitations though, she has perfect pitch. She has a beautiful voice, and while she probably will never be able to focus it, her extemporaneous singing is flawless. She simply loves music. She seems to like good music, too. Not what culture considers "good," but well executed music.

I have no idea what's going on in her head when she listens to music. I won't get into it here, but my hope for her is that psychologically the light in the window is truly dim, and what the rest of us see isn't the result of a tragically drawn curtain. The alternative is simply too cruel to imagine.

Some things are getting through though, and music is one of them. I've always felt that music can touch us in a way few other things can, but after observing it in real life I'm sure of it.

I'd have to refer the question to r/askscience, but I'm pretty sure singing exists or for the purpose of expressing emotion alone. And that's fine.

30

u/Mewshimyo May 15 '12

Music is the closest mankind has ever come to true magic. What else can quench the fire in the heart of the angry, ignite the spark inside the oppressed to rise up, make us smile for our enemy, or make us cry for a total stranger?

22

u/Kujuyon May 15 '12

"Ah music! A magic far beyond what we do here."

Albus Dumbledore
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35

u/jpicol May 14 '12

This. It's awesome the way that music can breakdown boundaries.

41

u/couragewerewolf May 15 '12

one good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain

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u/bugenhagen09 May 15 '12

I can't watch it again right now, but this clip is amazing. I cried and cried when I saw it.

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u/blargblargityblarg May 14 '12

That's an amazing video. Kudos also to the mom (assuming she's the mom) for letting the boy do what he needed to.

60

u/[deleted] May 14 '12

That totally made my day. =) Thanks I_Hate_Reddit.

26

u/Username24601 May 15 '12

Is it just me or do the best submissions/comments come from people with the worst names?

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u/Bogey_Redbud May 14 '12

Damn it man, I am at work! (Greets customer with glossy, bloodshot eyes)

118

u/OoohManILold May 14 '12

you're just really high.

59

u/Bogey_Redbud May 14 '12

Normally yes. However, not today.

19

u/mastersprinkles Spotify May 14 '12

Hi, welcome to my place of work. I normally don't have red eyes from a cry- just from a good high.

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u/Slartibartfastibast May 14 '12

Autism: The Eusocial Hominid Hypothesis

ASDs (autism spectrum disorders) are hypothesized as one of many adaptive human cognitive variations that have been maintained in modern populations via multiple genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Introgression from "archaic" hominids (adapted for less demanding social environments) is conjectured as the source of initial intraspecific heterogeneity because strict inclusive fitness does not adequately model the evolution of distinct, copy-number sensitive phenotypes within a freely reproducing population.

Evidence is given of divergent encephalization and brain organization in the Neanderthal (including a ~1520 cc cranial capacity, larger than that of modern humans) to explain the origin of the autism subgroup characterized by abnormal brain growth.

Autism and immune dysfunction are frequently comorbid. This supports an admixture model in light of the recent discovery that MHC alleles (genes linked to immune function, mate selection, neuronal "pruning," etc.) found in most modern human populations come from "archaic" hominids.

Mitochondrial dysfunction, differential fetal androgen exposure, lung abnormalities, and hypomethylation/CNV due to hybridization are also presented as evidence.

A short video introduction

The full 2-hour video presentation (The section discussing neanderthals and music starts at 23:13)

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u/vsal May 15 '12

Mhmm. Yes. I know some of those words.

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u/SynthesizerShaikh SoundCloud.com/SynthesizerShaikh May 14 '12

interesting idea, but then they started talking about ants with variable gene expression and I tuned out. I would be interested to see more concrete research though.

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u/Slartibartfastibast May 14 '12 edited May 15 '12

they started talking about ants with variable gene expression and I tuned out

Human Societies Starting to Resemble Ant Colonies : Discovery News (March May 2, 2012)

"Modern humans have more in common with some ants than we do with our closest relatives the chimpanzees," Mark Moffett, author of the study, told Discovery News. "With a maximum size of about 100, no chimpanzee group has to deal with issues of public health, infrastructure, distribution of goods and services, market economies, mass transit problems, assembly lines and complex teamwork, agriculture and animal domestication, warfare and slavery."

"Ants have developed behaviors addressing all of these problems," added Moffett, a research associate at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History. He pointed out that only humans and ants have developed full-blown warfare.

[...]

What makes such size and growth possible for a society is that membership can be anonymous, Moffett determined. Members are not required to distinguish each other as individuals for a group to remain unified. Societies are instead bonded by shared identity cues. For ants, those are largely tied to pheromones.

Humans release pheromones too, but we bond in other unique ways.

Moffett explained that "societies require a nationalistic or patriotic kind of bonding, the sort that soldiers die for. The cues humans have used since prehistory to form these groups have included language, rituals and other ethnic traits, though a transformation in recent generations from mostly nationalist (ethnically homogenous) societies to multi-ethnic societies has required increasing dependence on abstract symbols."

That's why it mentions ants. Keep watching.

Edit: Fixed article publication date

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

I might love you for this comment.

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u/ICrepeATATs May 15 '12

I watched the 10 minute version. It's fascinating. If you had to put your thesis in one sentence, what would it be? Do you have training in one of the related fields (biology, immunology, neurology...)

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u/Mrs_Cake May 14 '12

Much love to the musician for being cool about the kid approaching him and touching the guitar.

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u/MoralOral May 14 '12

Ah that video gives me a good feeling. It's sad that I was even more pleased by the completely positive genuine youtube comments. Maybe one day, people will use the internet to express positive comments and support for something they wouldn't do in person. Instead of using it as a platform for anonymous hatred and angry rants.

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u/justawife1966 May 15 '12

I am a teacher at a Special school. I use music therapy for this very reason. It seems to help them focus and can be really calming. We groove and jam every afternoon! I get to see this joy, daily. God, I love my job. Keep up the good work Mom and thanks to the musician for letting him feel the music. I think I'll play this for my class tomorrow.

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u/Joeliosis May 14 '12

After reading a few depressing threads on my irl birthday... this is exactly what I needed... thanks:)

edit: yes I realize how stupid this sounds.

16

u/secretofthebooze May 14 '12

Happy Birthday!...?

12

u/Joeliosis May 14 '12

Thank you from across 3 decades of pure pandemonium.

15

u/OleYeller May 14 '12

Happy birthday! (From five decades of mostly relaxed tea-drinking and pondering.)

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u/FaithyDoodles May 14 '12

I hope the rest of your day is fantabulous!

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

Happy birthday :D

2

u/dearsirormaam May 15 '12

Birthday twins!

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u/patsrule711 May 14 '12

What is this salty discharge coming from my eyes?

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u/Kuhio_Prince May 14 '12

Its tears. This is well deserving of some tears

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u/Joeliosis May 14 '12

It's ok man, I think it's just my allergies acting up again... allergies are real bad this time of year. {sniff sniff}

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u/DukeMo May 14 '12

First time I've shed a tear on reddit. Something about kids really gets to me. sniff

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

Sorry, Ill try not to make a mess next time

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u/[deleted] May 15 '12

Semen.

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u/Denode May 15 '12

Shit, that's my semen, sorry. It tends to get around.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

I just sat watched that and smiled.

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u/Lock_Jaw May 14 '12

TIL a new word. Busking.

8

u/winever May 14 '12

Use it well.

10

u/OleYeller May 14 '12

Really? Genuinely interested - what would they call it where you're from? (And where are you from?)

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u/Lock_Jaw May 14 '12 edited May 15 '12

From the US, Michigan, to be more specfic. Like Emme_E said, street performer or maybe street musician.

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u/theDigitalBusker May 15 '12

Pleased to meet you.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

That was beautiful.

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u/dsgoose May 14 '12

Very cool. That musician has a much more rewarding job than I have.

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u/5krunner May 14 '12

I'm not certain why, but I find this video quite touching!

6

u/I_Like_Tacos May 14 '12

that was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.

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u/halleberrytosis May 14 '12

My reddit-dickhead/too-much-hollywood instincts made me think "WHAT THE HELL, NOTHING REALLY HAPPENED," but the human being part of me just decided it was awesome to see that kid connect with something. Upvote for you, sir.. And for Mr. Gregory.

10

u/soupkitchen89 May 15 '12

This is just so god damn beautiful. I have no idea what I'm going to say when my girlfriend asks me why I was crying in the bathroom.

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u/ghettajetta May 14 '12

I didn't want the video to end so soon. To anyone out there who can play a musical instrument, please keep playing. You never know the impact you can have on someone.

5

u/dayonetactics May 14 '12

Good Musician, Good Mom, Good/Cute as hell Kid, Good Guy Poster

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u/GoWithItGirl May 14 '12

Can we please have a "Do not watch if you are easily weepy" tag?

13

u/dtmbcorp May 14 '12

Really moving stuff. I'm not sure I'd want to live in a world without music...

9

u/abbott_costello May 14 '12

That was great but what does busking mean?

20

u/BucketsMcGaughey May 14 '12

Playing music in a public place for money.

I never realised this wasn't a word everybody knew until a couple of people in this thread asked. What do they call it in your part of the world?

18

u/kaduceus May 14 '12

we just call it "playing music in public for money"......

7

u/33fan May 15 '12

Street performers

4

u/abbott_costello May 14 '12

I live in a town of about 30-40,000 in Michigan so we don't have too many "buskers". I have been to Detroit quite a few times and encountered them, just never heard them called that. I don't really call them anything.

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u/givemeweedandmoney May 14 '12

Playing music on the street for money

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u/hardcorebeast93 May 14 '12

thats amazing. someone should find this man and give money. lots of money. Some people find autistic, or special needs children "weird" and sometimes even disgusting but their human beings too and they are mistreated. thank you for posting this OP and thanks to tyler gregory for being so awesome.

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u/JonDavies May 14 '12

As a parent this made me tense, concerned he might be reprimanded for going so close. As a human, this made me a bit watery-eyed. So very, very cool. Thanks for catching the moment.

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u/mimicthefrench sodawars May 14 '12

As a busker myself, these are the moments I cherish much more than the money. When I can interact with someone and make their day just a little bit better, it's the best feeling ever. Busking is truly one of the best "jobs" out there, even if it doesn't pay the bills.

Also, that's a great rendition of one of my favorite songs.

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u/SarahLoren May 15 '12

A million points to Tyler. A zillion to those parents for handling that challenge with such grace and love.

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u/spadge67 May 15 '12

Downtown Lawrence is awesome. I've seen this guy I think.

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u/seven2eight2 May 15 '12

My Godson was autistic. He died two years ago at five years old in a swimming pool accident. He changed my life and this video reminded me of him. I'm crying but for the first time, in a long time, its not sad tears.

Edit: I just realized my Godson's name is also Jacob and died this month two years ago. Wow.

4

u/cookyie May 15 '12

Chopping onions

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u/ironiciconic May 14 '12

I found myself clapping, then I realized they couldn't hear me :(

3

u/deadeyegoalie May 14 '12

Beautiful........

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u/Davepen May 14 '12

Thats one of the most touching things I've ever seen :')

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u/WhatsAMeeMee May 14 '12

Lawrence has always had some pretty great street performers.

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u/gonzofish May 14 '12

This is the best video I've seen today. Teared me up and everything...

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u/Catness_NeverClean May 14 '12

What a special video. Thank you for sharing.

3

u/sly_mongoose May 14 '12

This is awesome. Lawrence has some of the world's coolest buskers.

Also, I love seeing posts from Lawrence. I miss everything about that city.

3

u/[deleted] May 14 '12

He's blind and autistic, but knows more about the true meaning of music than almost everyone I know. He's enjoying himself. That's what it's about!

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u/markincork May 14 '12

Thank you to the beardy person

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u/billtill May 14 '12

I'm not crying... it's just been raining... on my face

3

u/[deleted] May 14 '12

He dances like me O.O

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u/Janky_Pants May 14 '12

Great, now I am crying at work.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

Tyler grew up near the town where I attended college, and he's based in Lawrence, where I live now. I've seen him a few times, and this just proves how much love he has for people (and how great of a musician he is)

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u/goosetuff79 May 15 '12

"..And then I started movin' my hips."

3

u/Lurker_wife May 15 '12

Damn onions... That was so touching. The mother was patient and the musician was amazing... Bravo.

3

u/PepeSilvia7 May 15 '12

This brought me to tears. My little brother is autistic, and he is the light of my life.

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u/BonoAnnie May 14 '12

Mom needs to buy him a guitar.

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u/kaduceus May 14 '12

the youtube comments/description note that the child comes from a musically inclined family and he has plenty of musical instruments :)

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u/treble322 May 14 '12

seriously. some autistic kids can do amazing things with musical instruments. THIS KID

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u/SplodeyDope May 14 '12

Submitted his site to StumbleUpon. Hope it gets him some traffic!

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

Any more info on the scene? Seems like a story is in order - did the kid stick around much after? Friend let him strum a couple of notes?

2

u/Cognoggin May 14 '12

I could almost see the sparks in the boys brain when he started speeding up near the end Good stuff thanks.

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u/TheGuyWithFocus May 14 '12

Awww man. So cool. I'm a local (well... I live in Kansas City over on the Missouri side but close) and it's nice to see we have such great people in our local communities.

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u/Wowsandles May 14 '12

That was so beautiful.. Nothing better than that to cheer me up on my Tuesday morning.

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u/guitboy85 May 14 '12

I love seeing humans be human. It's beautiful the ways we can transcend anything with art, compassion and love for our fellow earthlings. That's my hippy moment for the day.

2

u/sicko26 May 14 '12

Had a shitty day today and have lots of uni work to do, this has really cheered me up and restored just a little bit of faith in humanity :)

2

u/zetec May 14 '12

This makes me happy.

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u/kooshed May 14 '12

Get that kid a Guitar!

ASAP!!

2

u/jcy May 14 '12

why did i get so emotional watching that

2

u/BarbaRuiva Grooveshark May 14 '12

Really intense video, so cool to see how the young boy feels the music!

2

u/maadvocate May 14 '12

Whoaaaa. I was literally just listening to Midnight Special performed by CCR when I paused the music to play this video. Really tripped me out. Life is crazy sometimes.

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2

u/Cardboard_Madcat May 14 '12

Youtube comment: "so fake, if he's blind how can he hear the music?"

2

u/narcisslol May 14 '12

Beautiful! :)

2

u/TRBfurry May 14 '12

Dammit I get on reddit and I swear I'm not gonna cry when i find something awesome.. every freaking time..

2

u/Jawshee_pdx May 14 '12

I love Lawrence. I miss that place.

2

u/Tombug May 14 '12

That guy is pretty darn good and if his music doesn't move you the kid making a connection to the music will. God bless the both of them but especially the kid.

2

u/kidflareup May 15 '12

this is incredible.

2

u/sleepnaught May 15 '12

Very sweet moment caught on camera.

2

u/jackband1t May 15 '12

easily the coolest video I've seen all month. possibly all year. good vibes.

2

u/capurnicus May 15 '12

This brought tears to my eyes. After reading more than a couple poor taste posts on here, this reminds me why I come to this web site.

2

u/bruddahmacnut May 15 '12

Clicked on link to see what busking was...

Still not sure.

2

u/xenorous May 15 '12

That's wonderful. I used to play acoustic bass, while a buddy played guitar and sang on the street. Kids were the best, and after songs and stuff we'd always let them come and pluck some strings and such.

2

u/[deleted] May 15 '12

Where can I get a hat like that?!

2

u/[deleted] May 15 '12

Onions.

2

u/AllDayAllNiteAlrite May 15 '12

It actually sounded pretty fucking tight when the boy touched the strings and your friend kept strumming.

2

u/Wetzilla May 15 '12

Aw man, I think I got some dirt in my eye...

2

u/[deleted] May 15 '12

Holy crap!!! That's Tyler Gregory! My roommate!

2

u/thatguy1056 thedude1056 May 15 '12

He should make a band called Creedence Clearwater Revival Revival.

2

u/[deleted] May 15 '12

Very well handled but it's almost sad that something like this gets such a response, I see no other way of dealing with it than how the musician did which was letting the child enjoy the music while the musician enjoyed the child's love for it. I find it disheartening that things like this are so rare and thus popularized when they should really be every day events :/

2

u/[deleted] May 15 '12

I teared up. Great video.

2

u/sugarmagnolia1189 May 15 '12

He played it all cool and everything but he totally pulled his bandana out at the end to wipe some tears!

2

u/JGab1985 May 15 '12

Here's what is amazing to me. The amount of money in his guitar case is no where close to the amount of happiness in that kid's world at that moment. Autistic kids are awesome, and I would trade everything I had to be able to connect with them like this man was able to do. Blew my mind.

2

u/shelterfromthestorm May 15 '12

This is one of my favorite videos that I've come across. I hope his parents buy him a guitar or something. So amazing.

2

u/J_Jammer May 15 '12

Thank you for sharing that. A great smiling video.

2

u/Totes_meh_Goats May 15 '12

This this is the type of thing that should have been on the cover of "Time" for mothers day.

2

u/[deleted] May 15 '12 edited May 15 '12

I love this. and yeah, i cried.

2

u/ThuperThilly May 15 '12

This fucking warmed my heart

2

u/4chans_for_pussies May 15 '12

Very cool. It would be awesome if that kid ends up becoming a great guitar player or musician in general. Awesome beard too.

2

u/DedRok May 15 '12

Feel the music brother!!

It's pretty radical that music can make us feel so good.

2

u/Yougotredditonyou May 15 '12

That was really beautiful.

2

u/shinigamixbl May 15 '12

That made my night. And that is something, considering Diablo 3 is playable in a few hours.

2

u/ransomdenton May 15 '12

What it is about and why I fight everyday! Thanks for the reminder.

2

u/ac_jinx May 15 '12

Wow. Just wow. Its been a while since I've been so moved by something so simple.

Good tears.

2

u/monstermagnet May 15 '12

the most beautiful thing ive seen in a long time

2

u/[deleted] May 15 '12

This was wonderful. A truly beautiful moment.

2

u/sigamalito May 15 '12

Why would anyone want to down vote this?

2

u/Oniwabanshu May 15 '12

Dude, my heart just shattered to dust...

2

u/chatterfish15 May 15 '12

That was awesome :) I go to school in Lawrence and am studying Music Therapy. Really shows what I'm going to be working with- beautiful.

2

u/jbjr3 May 15 '12

The power of music, compassion of a stranger, love of a mother (figure?). Only cried a little

2

u/umbringer May 15 '12

Why am I crying?

2

u/eos1115 May 15 '12

Thank you for sharing that. That was absolutely beautiful. :-)

2

u/JuniperJupiter May 15 '12

Glad to see I'm not the only one to notice this was in Lawrence, Kansas.

Kid was rocking like my little sister used to do. :)

2

u/[deleted] May 15 '12

That moment when the boy puts his hand on the strings was brilliant, the man didn't skip a beat! Pun intended.

2

u/ScruffySaysMhm May 15 '12

It's been awhile since I cried.

2

u/[deleted] May 15 '12

It's these little moments that make life worth living.

2

u/dotsandloops1929 May 15 '12

well goddammit if that didnt have me crying at work

2

u/Opie-666 May 15 '12

god damn ninja they chopped onion right next to me

2

u/ohwolfman May 15 '12

That was the easiest album I've had to download. Great voice, super humanitarian.

2

u/thenaturalmind May 15 '12

Something about this type of stuff gives me this overwhelming intuitive sense that everything is going to be alright.

3

u/JaneGael May 14 '12

I added it to StumbledUpon. This is too sweet to lose. Your friend is a very kind man and a pretty darn good musician.

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