Johnny Carson asked the audience whether they could play the piano. When the boy raised his hand, it changed his life forever.

Life is full of surprises, and one unexpected event altered David Tolley’s life. Something unexpected happened on December 19, 1985, while watching Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show in the studio. Horatio Gutierrez, a classical pianist, was going to be the guest, but Carson said that he would be unable to perform due to a hand injury. Carson inquired if anyone in the audience could play the piano in unusual rhythms.

Tolley, who learnt piano as a child, dived right in. He grabbed the stage and began playing the famous musical Cats’ “Memory.” He received a standing ovation from the audience, and his surprising performance helped him gain popularity. Tolley’s phone began ringing nonstop the day after the incident. He received phone calls about movie roles, cruise ship jobs, and other opportunities.