Jacob and the Guitar Man

This video really touched me, and is absolutely beautiful.  It shows an eight year old blind-autistic boy, Jacob, drawn to the power of a street musician (Tyler Gregory) singing and playing guitar.

Our eight-year-old blind-autistic son Jacob enjoying some fine acoustic guitar by a musician in downtown Lawrence, Kansas on May 13, 2012.
Tyler … Thank you so much for letting Jacob feel the music! http://tylergregorymusic.com

Response from Tyler Gregory

As far as the video of Jacob and I goes, I am so surprised at the response. Very surprised. I didn’t know the internet was so powerful and could connect to people so much! haha

Either way.. It was an ordinary day, walking to my regular spot to busk when I don’t have a gig that night, and play music on the corner for a rotating crowd. When Jacob came over I felt excited about having another kid listen to the music. (Makes my day when kids dance to the music on the street… I already had a couple come over that day so it was already nice). However, unlike most kids that come up to me with curiosity, I felt so much energy coming off of him and I was completely overwhelmed. His hand on my leg was very powerful and about brought me to tears while playing. Not because he is blind or autistic.. but because of a connection I have never felt and one that is impossible to explain. Honestly, a feeling that came from my toes all the way up my body and surrounded me. I can’t begin to explain it. I want to try to put it into words, but there is no way to tell how powerful his energy felt.

It was a powerful moment that made my day and reminded me of the good things in life. Reminded me why I love different interactions with people when playing music. Reminded me of how powerful music can be between two people. It also reminded me not to take things for granted, for most of us have it pretty easy in our everyday life. So, I just simply went home with a very big smile on my face that day, and a story to tell my close ones.

I would love to continue it in the future. Maybe share and play more music together with Jacob. Although, his mama also told me that Grandpa likes to do some pickin’ himself, and that Jacob has a guitar as well. I’m sure that coming across me on the sidewalk that day was that little something that struck a chord in his heart that he found familiar and could relate to that day :)

Anyways,
Once again thank you all so very much for everything.
Thank you for the kind words and heartwarming stories. Thank you for listening to my music and thank you for simply spreading the love. It brings me to tears when I see how many people have listened to my music. Thank you.

Love,
- Tyler