I love street performers.

I love the atmosphere at sunset pier, Key West (it has another name, but that's what folks I know call it) as dozens of these people, some good - some getting better, perform next to an inverted hat.

I know someday they'll be banned everywhere.

I also know they're criminally negligent on their taxes.

I also know if I'm on the jury, they can relax.

I applaud the effort, regardless of skill.

David Crosby's tune about passing a street guy while on his way to a $50K gig (Playin Real Good For Free) still gets to me, bigtime.

Didn't we let Jack Benny play his stupid violin in our living rooms?

Could anyone submit via this thread whatever they may know of people now famously talented who once "Did It In-The-Road, without passing an audition, I mean besides McCartney.

I believe that both Ralph McTell and Bryan Bowers (the autoharp guy) would be on that list.

I could be wrong about both, memory isn't what it was.