Gabourey Sidibe is nominated for an Academy Award but that doesn't stop her mother from hitting the New York City subway system a few times each week to sing for money to help provide for her kids. Apparently this is how she makes her living. She used to be a nursery school teacher and a teacher's aide, but now makes enough by singing to support her family. I didn't know singing in the subway paid so much. I bet now for her though it will start paying even more.
Awesome. If I could sing, I'd do it.
ReplyDeleteDAMN! Mama can wail!
ReplyDeleteWow what a talent
ReplyDeleteWow -- I grew up in NY and know that the 34th street station is a prime location for these types of performances. My sister actually played with a Brass Ensemble (she plays the French Horn) a number of Christmases ago at Penn Station and you actually have to try out to be selected. Yes, you have to have some talent to perform in NY City's subways -- and her mom sounds GREAT! Kudos to her!
ReplyDeleteI don't have sound at work, but I've always wondered why American Idol doesn't allow older singers to try out...or at least have another show that is inclusive for all ages?
ReplyDeletewow that's awesome! and awesome story penelope!
ReplyDeleteYes, you have to try out. There is a subway art series, so this is really different from just begging on the street. Apparently she was teaching part time and singing part time for a while but made more money singing.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's not that singing makes a person tons of money, but being a nursery school teacher pays very, very little.
ReplyDeleteIn any case, she is a talented singer with a very talented daughter.
amazing! i would love to spend my days singing to people!
ReplyDeletetalented family!
ReplyDelete(am i the only one that unintentionally add an 'n' when pronouncing 'gabourey'?)
I've seen her before! The turnstiles right behind her is where I enter the subway every morning to go to work.
ReplyDeleteThere are some really talented bands and singers who perform there every single day.
@Pookie,
ReplyDeleteNo you're not the only one. I didn't even realize I was adding the "n" until I read your comment.
I feel bad, I hate when people mispronounce my name.
That is a VOICE!
ReplyDeleteShe's amazing!
ReplyDeleteI have friends who have made a survivable living off of busking in the subway. One of them was one the OC, and afterwards came back to continue busking...he's awesome. :)
Could you imagine being a child and having that voice sing you to sleep at night? Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe tragedy is that the talent of Gabi and her mother was/is almost ignored because in the entertainment business, (or in politics) appearance eclipses talent.
ReplyDeleteIn my work in neighborhoods, there is incredible, raw talent in many ethnic groups that is unrecognized because of the demand for perfect looks. It was one of those flukes that Gabi was found, and her gifts showcased to the world. I hope she keeps working because that young lady has great talent.
But in a world where Sarah Palin is seen as a viable world leader, the fact that Gabi's mom must sing in the subway raises a lot of questions about our society's shallow values.