Busking, or performing music in public in exchange for tips, has been around for centuries. Although it used to be an accepted practice, some see it as controversial, a musical form of begging, if you will.
Sadly, these perceptions lead people to devalue street artists and musicians and to miss out on incredible performances like this.
Jonny Walker was a prominent busker in the UK.
He traveled all over the country, performing music for onlookers and promoting what he called “street life”.
In the United States, busking is protected by constitutional rights. However, in the UK, this is not guaranteed. In an effort to change this, Walker founded Keep Streets Live, a non-profit organization that fights to keep UK streets open and free to street artists and buskers.
Prior to his death, Walker and Keep Street Live actually took Camden Council to the High Courts of Justice over what they referred to as its “heavy-handed, compulsory busking license scheme.” It’s no surprise that this garnered attention— but Walker’s real claim to fame was this impromptu performance.
The video shows Walker and a homeless man named Bernard Davey giving an incredible, impromptu performance of Ella Fitzgerald’s “Summertime”.
In the description, Walker recounts how he had been playing guitar outside of the Trinity Centre in downtown Leeds when he was approached by a man in a wheelchair who asked if he could join in.
Walker, having spent a lot of time performing on the streets, immediately recognized the senior as homeless man Brian “Bernard” Davey.
In the video’s description, he explained:
“I went out busking in Leeds on New Year’s Eve and, after a while, was joined by a homeless man in a wheelchair who asked if he could sing with me.”
“As a busker, I spend a lot of time on the streets and had seen this man many times over the years but didn’t know he was a singer.”
“And as the years had gone by, his health and well-being seemed to have worsened a great deal.”
Bernard Davey was a familiar face to many in the area.
The older man used to be a popular singer on the Irish and folk scene; however, later in life, he experienced health issues and an addiction to alcohol which ultimately led him to homelessness.
Walker had no idea that Bernard could sing and was completely blown away by his voice and delivery.
“I asked him if he wouldn’t mind doing it once more for the camera. He was happy to oblige.”
In the video, you see Walker strumming the notes of “Summertime”— but when Bernard opens his mouth, a smooth, mature voice emerges, shocking the bystanders who have volunteered to film.
Bernard’s talent is surprising, and it’s clear nobody expected such a strong, velvety voice from the older, homeless man singing from his wheelchair. “He’s amazing!” a female behind the camera exclaims.
When two artists come together, they always create something beautiful— but to see this beauty while walking down the street is truly an unexpected gift.
“He spent a good few hours with me as I busked on New Year’s Eve,” Walker shared. “Like many people with an artistic temperament, he can be volatile, but my overwhelming impression is that he is a kind and sensitive soul with an immense talent and irrepressible spirit.”
“I hope Bernard’s amazing, improvised version of ‘Summertime’ helps people to remember not to judge people they see on the streets according to their appearances, but to always look below the surface appearance and find the person underneath.”
Watch the incredible performance below!
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