Johnny Carson asked the audience if anyone could play the piano. This man raised his hand, and his life changed forever.

David Tolley’s life changed forever in December 1985 when he attended a taping of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. During the show, guest pianist Horatio Gutierrez was unable to perform due to an injury, prompting Carson to ask the audience if anyone could play the piano. Tolley raised his hand, and when invited on stage, he performed “Memory” from Cats, stunning the audience with his extraordinary talent.

The next day, Tolley received countless offers from producers, talent scouts, and entertainers, launching him into a whirlwind of fame and career opportunities.