At 54 years old, Herbie Russ has spent many years living on the street— but now, he’s gotten a second chance.
The musician dropped out of school in eleventh grade and was later kicked out of his parents’ house for doing drugs.
He spent years couch-surfing and living in cars before finally, he’d had enough. Throughout everything, however, he’d never given up his love of music— in particular, guitar and sax.
Eventually, Herbie turned to his faith to guide him.
“You’ve given me this talent,” he told God. “I need some direction.” Herbie’s requests led him to the local homeless shelter. The young man didn’t have many talents aside from music, so he offered to do what he was good at— singing and playing shows. “We don’t need that,” the shelter replied. “What we need is someone to spackle and repair the walls in the basement. The food is spoiling.”
Seeing the issues homeless people had to contend with inspired Herbie to help in a practical way.
He focused on performing gigs and started giving all his tips to the homeless shelter.
Over the years, he eventually donated thousands upon thousands of dollars.
Now that Herbie has a successful music career (having lent his vocal skills to commercial clients like AT&T, The Ford Motor Company, and the Fox Network), he continues to share a special bond with the homeless people in his community.
Oftentimes when playing gigs, he’ll hire them to carry his PA and gear. According to his website: “He realizes at 54 he’s just one slip-up away from homelessness…”
“He still likes to give to the homeless and remind himself of where he could be.”
Recently, Herbie partnered up with comedian Tom Mabe to help those who are less fortunate.
In Mabe’s series “Bum Bait”, Herbie lends his vocal skills to help the homeless. In one video, he sings with a busker, inspiring an increasing number of passersby to donate money to the man’s cause. In another, he pretends to be a homeless busker, using all proceeds earned to buy toiletries for homeless people in the area:
With his raspy voice and long, wavy, grey hair, Herbie isn’t your typical singer— but he’s managed to win everyone’s heart with his kind, selfless deeds.
Most recently, Herbie auditioned for the twelfth season of America’s Got Talent. Although his initial audition was not televised, he made it through to the Judge Cuts round, where he performed The Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends”.
Sadly, his performance wasn’t strong enough to get him to the Quarterfinals. Instead, he was eliminated in favor of competitor Mike Yung. However, with his giant heart and ever-growing fanbase, the loss hasn’t held him back one bit!
Since being uploaded, Herbie’s heartwarming performance has been viewed thousands of times.
“He is a wonderful person … He’s a giver, not a taker. He’s definitely an angel on Earth and he will continue being one in the afterlife. LOVE YA HERBIE!”
“Man, this guy gave me goosebumps.”
“I can listen to him forever!”
Watch the video below!
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