Talented U.K. musician, Jonny Walker, was in the middle of playing his guitar when someone else decided he should kick his performance up a notch or few, but all for the better. No, they didn’t ask him to start dancing or play a different tune. To our surprise, the individual asked if they could perform the vocals along to his flawless guitar chords, an individual we would have never expected: a homeless man by the name of Bernard.
Some often perceive homeless individuals as talentless, and perhaps some even found Bernard’s request to join the street performer odd, but he proved us all wrong as he delivered what we didn’t think he would. The audience cheered loudly both during and after Bernard’s addition.
To give some background, we learned that Bernard is a father-of-two and used to be a cast member of “Harry’s Game” on TV. He was no “nobody” in the city of Leeds, England. He was well-known and loved by many, a sweet man with some serious, secret talents! He sings a very slowed down, sultry version of Sublime’s “Doin’ Time/Summertime,” originally a very ska-punk rock tune that hit it big back in the late 1990s. This man croons his way through the song, giving it an edge that is surprising as much as it is delightful! It’s such a cool rendition.
So, what does this gone-viral video of Jonny Walker and Bernard teach us? Well, besides the fact that good talent can be found anywhere in anyone, that we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, as cliché as it sounds. All too often, we grasp a detailed impression of someone before even getting to know them. However, Bernard proves to us through his talent that a majority of what we think someone is, isn’t, has, or doesn’t have, is imagined; we have to give the person a chance to prove to us who they are.
Let this be an inspiration to all of us. We can create beauty no matter where we go. With a little thought and patience and a lucky break, the world is anyone’s oyster.
Enough of the life lessons; to hear the immense talent Bernard contributes to the U.K. street performer, you must watch the video below! Their talents merged into one will not disappoint even the pickiest of individuals.
