TRAVELER RAISES $60,000 FOR AIRPORT PIANO PLAYER
Written by Brittany Styles on August 11, 2021
Tonee “Valentine” Carter, a 66-year-old pianist at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, was recently touched by an angel. A traveler, Carlos, who befriended Tonee recently helped to give him the biggest tip of his life. Carlos Whittaker, motivational speaker and author, was waiting for his flight and started talking with Tonee. Carlos was so moved by Tonee’s story, his love for music, and his continued commitment to entertain travelers; he called on his Instagram followers to support the musician with a tip.
Good Morning America sat down with Tonee and found out more about him and his love for piano playing. “Carter plays at a piano bar in ‘Concourse A’ every week from Monday to Thursday, and his set list includes a variety of music, from covers to original songs. “I love all genres of music,” Carter told “Good Morning America.” “I love doing jazz. I love doing pop, wop, soul music, classical — I do it all. If you ask me for something from the ‘30s or ‘40s, I got you. If you ask me for some gospel music, I got you. If you ask me to shake some booty music, I got you.” Many people stop by and enjoy conversation and music with Tonee at the airport!
“With over 200,000 followers on his Instagram, Whittaker called on his “InstaFamilia” to help raise money. He said he initially expected to raise around $2,500 — he and his followers had previously raised money for various causes in the past.” They raised $10,000 within 30 minutes and the money kept coming in. “By the time I landed in Nashville, it was at like $25,000, and by the time I talked to him that evening, it was $44,000,” Whittaker said. The grand total of donations was $61,000. Unbelievable!
“We’re not friends,” Carter said. “We’re family now.” Get the whole story, including why Carlos was so motivated to give back, here! Carlos is right…this is proof that we can all come together. The power of love, kindness, respect, and drive to do good is very real!
