The Soloist: Steve Lopez and Nathaniel Anthony Ayers

[BlackIsOut]

his shopping cart is exaxtly how i imagined it!

[cysotbone621]

Such a great book, which everyone should read if they have seen the movie, because the book obviously being written by Lopez himself, has differences (truth) compared to the movie. But both are wonderfully down to communicate this inspiring story.

[lerlo]

Wonder how much of the money made off him went to him.

[Rome19ification]

@lerlo uh huh, that's a very interesting question, probably nothing.

[ShinjiTomi]

@lerlo he don't need/want money, all he need is music and peace.

[lerlo]

@ShinjiTomi sure he likes living like a hobo with a shopping cart his only possession. Seriously man, at least give him a house..........

[NinjaSushi2]

What a great movie and story. For my college English writing I have to write a Comparison and Contrast between Steve Lopez and Nathaniel Ayers. This should be easy. :D

[overlex]

why would someone dislike this?

[jsnell126]

ugh, the elgar cello concerto - so powerful

[hogfather55]

Mr. Ayers plays so beautifuly if only the kids at bastrop had as much passion as he does. I only wish i myself could play as beautiguly as he does.

[owlhoothootowl]

just seeing him play and how he changed one second to another in this video made my cry.

[blac2thafuture]

steve , thank you so much , you always kept it real in philly with your pen ,. shout outs from dre , at the rittenhouse garage

[DanYul55]

just finished the book, and it's a brilliant story, and best of all that at the end i can smile to myself knowing that it was all true. : )

[reza4]

Just one of millions of talented down downtrodden humans who other selfish humans have abused and oppressed. 

[muneca425]

Havent read the book but I will do and havent watched the movie which I will also do soon but I did have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Steve Lopez and it was awesome lol...

[AnthonyConway]

An amazing man and an inspiration to the world.

[AnthonyConway]

A truly amazing man and an inspiration to the world.

[PedroMaracas]

ohhh God! Concierto pata violonchelo de Elgar! GoD! casi muero con esa!

Vieron su cara mientras tocaba?

[PurpleSpider88]

lovee it all

[thextortionist]

Very inspiring!

[SaeBap]

Absolutely brilliant!Good to see him jamming with others and not playing on his own.

[MrJasama]

3:37 theyre playing one song from venetian snares.. lol

[loyesj]

YAAY Anthony that movie was AWESOMME

[sephiroth87932]

was the piece at the end elgars cello concerto movement 1? i love that piece and when yo yo ma played it i wish i could be as talented as mr. ayers

[sexy7lexie]

that is so touching.I love the movie its amazing and sad but at the same time its touching.

[CookieVirusComputer]

Can anyone tell me what name of the book ? I need to read that one.

[Spangler04]

The Soloist: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music

[CookieVirusComputer]

THANK YOU

[Altiar025]

i just finished the book and it was amzing

[minstrelslover2b]

I saw the trailer 'The Soloist' and thats why I bought the book.I have just started reading.................

[Glorianoemi]

I just finished watching the movie.. oh my gosh I was in tears the whole time.. I loved the story and hope he does well, and I wish there were not 90,000 homeless people..any where.... =(

[Anasasimaike]

no more words needed...i exactly thought the same...

[neliacalcada]

mr. lopez thank you for telling this story and reminding us of the value of dignity.

[xx35j2]

the book is very touching. makes you change how we look at homeless people.

[bluesdance]

phenomenal, incredible, amazing

[tcruz86]

Wow, what an amazing story! The world needs to learn from these two friends. Wow!

[Ecosse57]

the film was very moving for me and i will likely read the book. mr. ayers thank you for the example of your perseverance and the gift of your music. mr. lopez thank you for telling this story and reminding us of the value of dignity.

[diamondsea3]

I just finished reading the book, it was very inspiring and moving. I hope Nathaniel continues to do well.

[Isaiasm2006]

I didn't believe the move was great. I didn't like it, but what Lopez did for nathaniel is very generous. Music is trully an incentive.

[Adamalgorithm]

thank you Beethoven for giving us hope and comfort

[hasanali]

he has this serene expression on his face when he is playing the violin.

[nubbs]

i hope the proceeds of his book went to an ayers trust

[skihunt507]

Its about accomplishing whether playing a violin or a chore R 18 y.o. bipolar after 12 hosp./ rapes made it to a therapeutic ranch in vt-- where she and others worked together growing food etc...

she accomplished "I fed the lambs"--

Spring Lake Ranch saved her life--

For people who have had so much taken they need to see they can give back -- any awareness of mental illness will help

[nandkellis]

Thanks for the update. Good luck to all!

[craftsmank]

A little belief in this unbelieving unforgiving world - touch and be touched.

[tomnmeg]

Bautiful story, wonerful people, excellent book and movie!! AWESOME!!

[lindamercado]

it's wonderful to see that there are some people that help the world one person at a time! It goes to show ppl have gifts no matter what level of status. Lest we be sooo shallow in this world.

[rdavid086]

vi la película, es realmente un historia increíble. además toca muy bien.

[MALIRIPPA]

this is simply great!

[MALIRIPPA]

while u guys keep arguing i jus wanna say may god bless him and help him on his recovery

Great Movie....

[baldeagle7777]

DoctorLexus! You're just plain jealous!!!

[opngate]

Hey DoctorLexus !!!!!

Why don't YOU try making it to Juilliard you negative, pessimistic piece of CRAP !!!

Yeah, so the movie might have hyped things up a bit for entertainment, SO WHAT ???

It's the story, the real story, that is amazing. There NEEDS to be more stories like this one come out so that we, as a people, can see through the stereotypes that are built around groups such as the homeless.

There is NOTHING negative or bad about that, only inspiring.

So shut up, Doctor Loser.

peace!

[DoctorLexus]

THIS comment is ESPECIALLY hilarious. Would you care to guess why? lol

And thank you for your intelligent analysis!

[makemyaday]

You wanna talk about Sad?? You think we dont all see through your comment begging for attention? Is it Lopez's fault he didnt meet the man earlier? yeah he was on the street for 30 years ur damn right,but where is he now? with a roof over his head, people taking care of him, and not only enjoying his music as he always has, but having many others enjoy his music as well. Then to say he doesnt sound good?? This is a man with a mental illness and still such a gift like that. Sad? I feel sorry 4you

[ddaarrlliinnee]

seriously that comment is as low as you can get. There are so many homeless people who are looking for that second chance. And hes having his. Instead of talking your shit. Shut up with these type of comments and get a damm life. maybe thats why your so bitter.

[Marvin24241]

Ok, first of all, this man was in Julliard before his schizophrenia took over his life and it's not his fault he has schizophrenia...Secondly, what they're talking about right here is a healing story and the power of music in that healing process and as a person who is also diagnosed with a mental illness and is also a musician, I have OCD and play the drums, I have to testify that music does help...That's the whole point of this, not that he's some grand musician, the point is the healing in it

[scled1007]

You aren't a doctor so stop using the name, secondly you don't know shit about the guy so why bother commenting?

[DoctorLexus]

U really don't know anything about me.

Let's make a deal, scled1007: I'll try to be more naive and dummied-down if you try to be more perceptive and accurate. But what are the chances of that happening?

[ShoNuff93]

No DrLexus, what's sad is your commentary on this clip. The story is about the LOVE of music not how well he played. You claim to be a musician but it seems to me you have no idea what music is about. You're just a hype for technique but don't know anything about the soul. Just listen to the "musicians" you like and keep pretending you're the high class intellectual you think you are. It's a story about the human condition not a "street virtuoso" as you so cleverly tried to put it. You fail.

[DoctorLexus]

Wrong. Clearly, it IS a story about a so-called "street virtuoso." That's how it was advertised. And it's a major plot point of the movie. Just how simplistic RU?

It's about "the human condition"? Golly gee, you surely R brilliant. (All story-telling is about "the human condition," you vague, pseudo-intellectual.)

And if Ayers were just lying around on the street and not playing music, then no one would have made a movie about him.

My points are entirely valid.

[unusualmusician]

As an astonishingly unusual homeless violinist (with a laptop), I've got to point out:

Very few journalists are interested in helping homeless musicians (that's not their job.)

The flick, though entertaining and well done, "enhanced" many truths in order to be more...entertaining. (Okay. I liked it anyway.)

The music "profession" has become more dubious than ever before.

If my own APT video response to this post is not accepted, feel free to examine my own youtube page. Viva Bach!

[IcyLikeACupcake]

he's brilliant. notice on history, almost every brilliantly genius classical musician/thinker is so smart that, that person either has a physical or mental disability. Think about it. He's so musically inclined that his brain took out the necessary things that he uses to function in his life and made space for his musical genius. Its amazing how the mind operates.

[ashale93]

omg I would love to meet Nathaniel, i think it would be quite inspirational...even more then just reading the book and watching the movie

[sk8craazy]

my orchestra is playing the mendolson concerto!

[audreynicolee]

mendelssohn*

[kaykayyish]

Loved the book and can't wait to go see the movie when I get out of school next week (:

[ItaliaKat44]

He seems like a really great guy. :]

[BarryBRemix]

I kinda felt as though Jaime Foxx did a poor job at portraying Nathaniel after I witnessed this video. They painted him much more unrefined than he really is.. Jaime also used his Mike Tyson personality a lot... just didn't fit.

[robman8908]

Reason: Jaime Foxx is a pompous ass.

[SpifftasticBoom]

Obviously... Jamie Foxx is a horrible actor.

[drummajuney]

he is a wonderful person i would love to know and learn some things from him THE MOVIE IS AWESOME!!!!!

[chicagoSUGANO]

My opinion to the public.........

Buy the Book because Steve Lopez did a marvelous job of portraying an unlikely friendship between two unlikely individuals.

I purchased the book in April 2008, saw the film May 2009. The film is a dreadful piece of Hollywood toxic waste of time & money, hence I highly suggest you rent, borrow or purchase the book for a beautiful ride.

Thanks Steve Lopez, you did great but the Hollywood film vultures failed.....again.

[ericgable]

does he relal yknow how to play the instrument

[CocoJelly92]

Yes of course! He went to Julliard when he was younger, but due to his illness, he ended up on the streets. He's very gifted with his instruments

[oliveira10pm]

Ele é muito bom

[oliveira10pm]

Nathaniel is champion

[dope240sx]

wow. MY inspiration.

[rssmom2]

i think this man is truly amazing

[menelikjoe]

We all know that book is broader than the movie. Buy the book. This is a true story about a meeting of two people. I think it was done more for inspiring and telling of this powerful friendship and brilliant mind, then for entertainment. Why would you look for entertainment from this tragic but touching story of a mans life? Buy the book, it will tell you more about Nathaniel.

[newvagal]

Jamie Foxx said making the movie nearly drove him crazy. I can believe it b/c WATCHING nearly drove me crazy.

To anyone who's read the book: Can you feel me in on Nathaniel, who he is and the cause of his illness? ANYthing about the guy? The movie told us little.

I get the part that he's got a mental illness that precludes him from functioning in society and that Lopez is a well-meaning guy. But that's about all I got. Those 2 facts were stretched in a confusing way to make it a movie.

[localmonkey]

Were you in the bathroom the whole time? The movie mentioned his illness so much i was crying. You need to go and watch it again.

[gobluesocks]

Well, Nathaniel has Schizophrenia most commonly manifests as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions, or disorganized speech and thinking with significant social or occupational dysfunction.

Diagnosis is based on the patient's self-reported experiences and observed behavior.

That's what he has. He can take meds but he won't. He'd rather be homeless.

[novaduh]

he has scezophinia not sure on the speeling its a mental illness that causes you to hear voices an other things not sure but that all i realy know but yeah the beggining drove me a little crazy with the rapid talking but great non the less

[newvagal]

I thought the movie sucked major eggs...No real plot...We leave the theater not really knowing who Nathaniel is or WHY he's the way he is...No mention of previous attempts to help him...We know little to nothing about his family.

The reporter befriending the homeless guy with a story's been done before...Samuel L. Jackson and Josh Hartnett did it better...At least that movie had a cohesive plot.

[niya321]

aww nathaniel is really talented and hes a sweet guy. i'd like to know him personally in real life :)

[caitlinjane92]

Me too!

[hildre2007]

saw it today good film.

[Too2FarGone]

I was looking for more insight on Mr. Ayers & Mr. Lopez before seeing The Soloist tomorrow... thank you for posting this video!!!!

[nofear04]

@miley

That's not what was said....pls go pull up transcripts before slandering.

[mileyscyrusfriend]

that is exactly what he said or maybe you dont understand because you are an idiot

HE and his Friends said she should be doing drugs and that she should make a sex tape NOW WHERE IN THE WORLD IS IT ALLOWABLE FOR A TEEN TO MAKE SEX TAPES? and he also said make the sex tape with your daddy....

SO THATS ANOTHER LAW CALLED INCEST

It is not right for anyone to say these things against a kid WHATS EVEN WORSE is that he is trying to laugh it off as it was a Joke.

He and his friends are RACIST

[vivaSuburbia]

what are you talking about??? could this comment BE any more off topic of the video? :-S

[R4D1CALx]

wats the name of the book?

[oChaiLatteo]

The soloist 0.o =]

[xxstupid101xx]

The Soloist: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music

by Steve Lopez

[BeastMode1018]

guys good i want to see this movie

[4QBUD]

Like the shark, sometimes it bites and sometimes it just swims. A Bird sings and then it eats worms as it dives down at your head for no aparent reason.

This guy sure is talented though. Good luck with that.

[neonsumo]

I've read the book, and have been stoked for the movie ever since, often mistaking the month of its release because of my eagerness to get a ticket.

To actually see Nathaniel in this video, though, is the first I've seen the real him. His story is just phenomenal, and to see that genuine look he has when he's playing music breaks my heart in the most amazing way.

I wish both Mr. Ayers and Mr. Lopez nothing but happiness and prolonged friendship. The world sorely needed a story like theirs. :)

[Invitarcom]

This is pretty sad to hear Jamie Fox making fun of a 16 year old Girl Miely Cyrus!!! PLEASE DO NOT SEE ANY OF HIS MOVIES!!!!!! I was a fan, but not anymore. Where is Rev. Sharpton? Where is Rev Jessie Jackson? What a double standard! !!!!!

[MeYoUsKiDa]

Please don't subject the rest of us to your stupidity.

Jamie Foxx is a talented singer, comedian and actor.

Miley Cyrus is a no-talent teenage slut.

[himnae]

Don't see it for Jamie Foxx then, see it for Steve and Nathaniel. Jamie's comments were just as immature as Miley's photos. Both of them are wrong, but I don't let bother me. I saw Hannah Montana, and I'm also going to see this movie.

[chocolicc]

ooh how was hannah montanna ?my hubby dont want to go with me to see it.

[WalkenTheWalk]

shut the fuck up please

[LockDown2050]

Robert Downey Jr. realy looks like Steven Lopez

[apricotdream]

Stop saying that the producers aren't paying him. He said he didn't want a car or a home and he just wants to keep playing music. Even if he does get paid millions, he's not going to go buy a mansion or a limo like some celebrities do. He is happy as long as he has music.

[lupurt122]

Hes homless cause he went to find his dad nathaniel ayers sr.

his dad,that guys my great uncle and nate sr. is my grandpa

[pup101]

he got problems in his head thats why hes homeless

[oldikins]

Steve Lopez is the premier writer on the Times as far as I am concerned. He has been writing about this for a long time, and the story is compelling. He found a place for Nathaniel to stay, but Nathaniel couldn't stay put for long. He has a serious mental illnessm which is so sad because he is so talented. Steve Lopez has been a great friend to him.

[yelogrl]

Why is this man still homeless puching a cart around? Are those who are profiting from his story (book and movie) not making sure he gets cared for? I'm not going to support the book OR the movie if Nathaniel is not included in some of the proceeds.

[ptrice3]

you took the words right out of my mouth, i honestly do not think he wil see any of this money he is making

[yelogrl]

It amazes me how much this movie is being hyped and I see all the advertisements popping up, but this man is wearing the same outfit and living in a shelter. I wonder how many millions are they paying Jamie Foxx to portray him?

[jimsonIL]

All of you who haven't should read the book and perhaps you will better understand the depths of his challenges. Perhaps you would be less judgemental of Mr. Lopez and the producers of the film.

[yelogrl]

Fair enough. I haven't read the book. It's just hard t watch him in his current situation knowing that others are profiting from his story. I will read the book, then decide how I feel about it. Thanks jimsonIL

[whitepapagold]

Your ignorance of mental illness and its realities shines like the north star.

You don't for a second wonder if hes pushing the cart and homeless BECAUSE hes ill...

Man, people a so ignorant and they still think their opinion is worth posting. Its quite sad...

[yelogrl]

I know he's ill. Duh. But I know that someone can get him an actual apartment with a caretaker. He's not that far gone.

[dark30]

amazing but what is the song is he playing ?

[laihonyee]

He is playing Elgar's Cello Concerto in e minor from 2:37 to 3:58.

[dark30]

thanks ^_^

[anlindale]

Just remembered. This is also played by Keri Russel in the movie "August Rush", tied in with Jonathan Rhys Meyers "Find You".

[Guppywarlord]

only the intro was in that song

[braydentannopolk]

amazing story

[NickiiMurphy]

mr lopez was just at my school last week, and i missed the 60 minutes interview he did, so i was so pleased to see this. i can't wait for the movie.

[huneyhunters]

I an so going to see this film!

Nathaniel has stolen my heart! I have been an advocate for the homeless for many years and have met so many intelligent, talented, kindhearted people who have lost their way.

Everyone has a story, and Nathaniel's story on 60 minutes touched me to my core. Thank you Mr Lopez. Thank you Mr Ayers for sharing your life, and your talent with the world. :)

[mikhamfilmsuper]

i'm in the middle of the book and i love it.

i'm in love with nahthaniel's charactor.

the book is a kinda sad but couraging at the same time.

god bless him

[vanhalenmk]

Ah i just got it 2 days ago and i started reading it today.

[juleetim123]

I just finished the book and loved it!! I can not wait to see the movie!! It amazes how such a brillant man he is and how kind hearted Mr. Lopez is!! We need more ppl like that in the world!!

[poetictube]

This man should be playing JAZZ violin, not classical violin.

I read that Ayers is bored to run scales and to do boring practice routines. As you can see, the classical violin method is too restrictive for him.

He is also an "ear player" who can pick up melodies and play it on his instrument just by hearing it.

Just let the man express the beauty (and darkness) from the depths of his unique mind. Don't stifle his expressiveness with the classical violin method!

[H8BONDS]

Who is making him do anything? You obviously know nothing about the story of Nathaniel. He has been doing what HE wants do do for the past 30 years. If he wanted do play Jazz music, I'm SURE he would.

[csurampride2569]

exactly! this man isn't a dog that's keep in a cage and must do what his masters tell him poetictube, he's a free man - if he wanted to play jazz violin he'd sure as hell be doing it :)

[CardiacKatz]

Great book, didnt know it was a real story until the end haha. Would LOVE to see nathaniel play in person.

[bigbangisVIPforever]

I read the book, and I thought Mr. Ayers gave up his cart...

[andrewmackenzie123]

i guess he got a new one. u never know

[kick791]

I just found about this man, what a great story!