An Indiana elementary school janitor went viral for his cover of Journey’s popular song, “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
Richard Goodall, a 53-year-old janitor at Davis Park Elementary School, performed the Journey hit at an end-of-the-year talent show celebrating the school’s fifth grade graduation, according to Fox News. At the end of the celebration, Goodall was invited on stage to sing, and his performance was captured on camera by another employee, also according to the outlet.
The video, which has been posted to Goodall’s TikTok account, has amassed over 3,400 likes and nearly 500 comments. It has also been viewed more than three million times, the outlet reported.
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Goodall’s co-workers are aware of his talent and ask the 20-year Indiana school system employee to perform almost every year, Fox News indicated. In addition to having his performance go viral, Goodall caught the attention of former Journey lead singer, Steve Perry.
“I love this,” Perry commented on Goodall’s TikTok video.
“Love your music sir!!!,” Goodall wrote in response. “Thank you for commenting, this means so much to me!!! Thank you,” he added.
Besides commenting on Goodall’s TikTok video, Perry also re-posted it to his Twitter.
In a conversation with Fox News, Goodall admitted he was overwhelmed by all the attention his video received. “I’ve never had this kind of response,” Goodall said. “I don’t know what to think of all this.”
I love this https://t.co/XrMPywaLfM
— Steve Perry (@StevePerryMusic) June 29, 2022
When asked why he chose to sing Journey’s popular ’80s hit, Goodall said he wanted to inspire the students in attendance. “I just wanted [the students] to not stop believing and thinking they can do whatever they want,” he shared.
Goodall, who sang in his high school choir and also sang in a Gospel choir for eight years, according to Fox News, gave a simple reason about why he loves performing. “I just like people to smile and have fun and forget their problems for three minutes and 30 seconds, however long the song is,” Goodall explained.
Goodall posts a variety of singing videos on his TikTok account, covering songs from artists such as Phil Collins, Foreigner, Kenny Rogers, Lionel Richie, Bryan Adams, and others.
In his conversation with Fox News, Goodall revealed he’d auditioned for NBC’s The Voice but had been “turned down.” While he’s not sure if he’ll audition for other singing shows or wind up pursuing a music career, Goodall says he’s happy regardless.
“I’m just a regular person,” he told the outlet. “I’m happy. “I’m so thankful that I have food in my belly and a roof over my head and that I’m warm in the winter and cool in the summer,” he added.
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