Grandpa Elliott sings (acapella)- "Stand by Me" & "House of the Rising Sun"

Since hearing Grandpa Elliott's voice on Mark Johson's first "Playing for Change" CD, "Stand by Me", I knew I HAD to meet the man behind the soul-stirring voice.

I found Grandpa in the French Quarters in New Orleans (pronounced Nawlins) listening to his daughter Doris Blackmon play the guitar he'd given her. She's also a talented Busker performing in a duet with the violonist Tanya Huang.

When Grandpa and I met, it was as if we'd always known one another. There was an instantaneous bond and he was as fascinated about me as I about him. Grandpa can be best described as a classy New Orleans Gentlemen who makes his living making people happy and giving a piece of his heart everyday. He felt bad that he had just finished for the evening when I spotted him, but I told him that meeting him already made my trip worthwhile. I didn't need anything more. The next day, before flying out, I stopped by Royal & Toulouse St. to say goodbye to Grandpa. That was when he dedicated to KaizenTao an acapella rendition of "Stand by Me" and a personal favorite, "House of the Rising Sun" with his magical passion.

When motorcycles passed by, Grandpa would ask me to re-film the clip to get the best possible clarity for my students. This man is a supremely caring and considerate perfectionist and when he gives, he gives his all... you heard!

What a pleasure to know fine folks like Grandpa Elliott are out there contributing so much love and kindness into the world.

Immense gratitude and love to you for the man you are and all that you do Grandpa Elliott! How's Momma & D'em? :)

- Thong & the KaizenTao Crew

Please visit- http://www.playingforchange.com/ for great music, a great cause and to learn more about Grandpa Elliott and other fine talents.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• kaizentao
• grandpa elliott
• new orleans
• french quarters
• vieux carre
• royal
• toulouse
• louisiana
• play for change
• stand by me
• acapella
• house of the rising sun

[1785edouard]

Thank you very much Kaizen Tao for uploading this wonderful man and his music on You Tube. Really amazing.

[KaizenTao]

@1785edouard You're very welcome. Grandpa is the best!

[bigibongo]

Is there an full version of the song in the first part with the instruments ? ... it sounds very good and i like very much! contact me please =)

[KaizenTao]

@bigibongo Sorry there isn't.

[KaizenTao]

@JakeElric5 Please take good care of your uncle Jake. He's a great man on so many levels. I know him well.

[JakeElric5]

This Guy Is My Uncle My Dad Is Daniel Smalls This Guy Is Elliot smalls

[WALRU11]

A beauteous thing! You rock on, Gramps Elliot. Deliver it.

[andromedarr]

@bigibongo There is a version where not only grandpa is singing, and the instruments arent always the same...it is called "Stand by me - playing for change":

[paulondatube1]

can i just repeat kaizentao comment to jake elric look after this guy . i dont know him but he seems like a nice guy and such a warm version of this a great song . more human in it than a clone from a record company spouting it out in digital clarity :)

[GHOSTINDIAN77]

YEEEEEEEEEEEEH.THIS IS THE MAN.

[debo9091]

thank you for sharing love it

[Dmortimore87]

i want to buy the cd "play for change" with all these really beautifull songs - grandpa elliot being my absolute favvy

[Dmortimore87]

@JakeElric5 you must be so proud - he is fantastic

[fofarabs]

Oh grandpa elliott u are the greatest !!