Bittersweet Reunion for Homeless Piano Man, Son

Check out the video that’s made Donald Gould famous at the bottom of this post.

Sarasota’s now-famous homeless piano man got the reunion with his son that he has so craved on Tuesday.

Rather than meet his father face-to-face, Donnie, a recent high school graduate, agreed to a FaceTime chat over a smartphone, WFLA reported. The teen told his father, Donald Gould, he didn’t know he had such a talent on the piano. He also said he thought about him through the years.

Donald Gould, who has made headlines courtesy of a viral video of an impromptu piano performance, told his son he was sorry for missing out on his life.

While father and son had the opportunity to talk for the first time in more than a decade, the teen kept his distance, explaining he needed some time.

He also told his dad he need to “get (his) act cleaned up,” WFLA reported.

Donald Gould, 51, seemed to agree. The station reported the former Marine intended to check into a rehabilitation facility on Wednesday in hopes of leaving years of dependency behind.

The elder Gould’s story has tugged at heartstrings across the globe ever since a passerby on a Sarasota street shot a video of him playing Styx’s “Come Sail Away” on piano outside a café.

See Also:

Sarasota Piano Man Gets Whole New Look

• Watch: Homeless Piano Man Nails ‘Come Sail Away’
• Homeless Man’s $10K Returned by Deputy, Good Samaritan
• Homeless Man Reunited With Long-Lost Bank Account

Gould once had aspirations to become a music teacher. He even studied music education at Spring Arbor University in his native Michigan, ABC news reported. Aside from the piano, he says he can play “every instrument from the piccolo down to the tuba.”

Gould’s dreams, however, were dashed when his wife died in 1998.That loss led Gould into a downward spiral.

“I just lost it,” he told WWSB.

After the loss, Gould, who is known as “Boone,” on Sarasota streets, watched as his life spiraled out of control. He suffered from substance abuse and eventually lost custody of his 3-year-old son. That son is now 18 and it is Gould’s hope to be reunited with him, he told WFLA.

Since the video of Gould’s performance went live on YouTube June 30 a number of people have stepped forward to help him get back on his feet. Local businesses have offered assistance and a gofundme account has been established in his name. The fundraiser has netted more than $37,000 so far and that YouTube video has had nearly 8.5 million hits.

“Inside Edition” also sprang for a recent makeover for Gould, including a whole new wardrobe.

It is unclear if Gould’s son intends to meet with him after his stint in rehab.

Find out more about the video reunion on WFLA.

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