Johnny Didn’t Know This Man Would Become Famous When He Pulled Him On Stage – Do You Recognize Him?

In 1985, “Tonight Show” host Johnny Carson brought on an audience member to fill in last minute for a piano player who canceled, but he had no idea who that audience member would turn out to be (video below).

During the show, Carson announced to the audience that the piano player he hired canceled. He asked if there was anyone in the audience who would be able take over. He picked a young man by the name of David Tolley to come up to replace the professional pianist. 

Tolley, dressed in a T-shirt and flip flops, was unknown at the time but went up to join Carson on stage anyway. He played a remarkable rendition of “Memories” from the Broadway musical “Cats,” and the audience was completely floored. The next day, Tolley began getting calls to perform — including an eventual invite to the White House, Newsiosity reported.

Tolley ultimately became one of the most sought-after piano players in the country, as well as a highly respected composer. 

“Great story! It wasn’t luck! It’s opportunity when it meets preparedness!” one Newsiosity reader commented on the site’s Facebook page. 

“How crazy! But it all worked out for the best,” another added. 

Sources: Newsiosity, Newsiosity/Facebook / Photo credit: Newsiosity