CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A cellist in Charlotte took to the streets when most of his event gigs were canceled this year due to COVID-19. He says he just wanted to make people smile again with his music.

 


What You Need To Know

  • Robert Moore says he has been playing music all of his life

  • He recently moved to Charlotte from Florida and has been trying to find work

  • He usually plays at special events, but those have been canceled


It was a sunny afternoon at a strip mall in Charlotte. Robert Moore was outside in the parking lot playing a cover version of “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion.

“This is my heart darling,” Moore says, smiling. “This and my wife."

It’s one of many songs he has memorized.

“I love music and that is how I always made my living,” Moore says.

Usually, he plays his music at weddings, restaurants, or special events. But now he is playing outside wherever he can. As Moore continued to play, not only did people give him a tip, but some waved from their cars. Others pulled out their cell phones and started recording.

“I love music, it makes me happy,” listener Ryder Hutchinson says. “I think it’s important for everyone to hear music because it can brighten someone’s day a lot.”

Moore even inspired others, like 11-year-old Andrew Herrera.

“I took some drum lessons when I was 10,” Herrera says. “Maybe I can be a musician.”

Moore says they can take away his event venue, but they can’t kill his spirit.

“This is how I made my living and I am not going to stop,” Moore says.