New York Homeless Man's Song Goes Viral

9 months ago

Watch him sing for "change"

A homeless man from the Bronx borough of New York has quickly become an internet sensation after garnering more than 1 million views for his song "Everything Must Change" online. A passerby recorded James Percell, 49, singing the tune curbside; it was a track he hoped to give to Michael Jackson before the legend died. Despite having auditioned for televised competitions "The X-Factor" and "The Voice," Percell struggled to make his big break because of his 30 years of homelessness. “The judge said, ‘How can we contact you?’ [But] once he knew I was homeless, his persona changed. He said, ‘Well, listen, maybe next time.'” Percell spent three years behind bars for robbery and assault, and has seven kids who range in age from 5 to 28. He maintains odd jobs, but believes his talent to be a gift and curse. “I live for the music. I live on the edge,” he said. “I took the wrong path. I ended up homeless chasing a dream.” Percell gains fame almost a year and a half after homeless man Ted Williams received national attention for his radio-ready voice-over vocals. (NY Post)