The Soloist: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music
By Steve Lopez
The author, an LA Times newspaper reporter, noticed a homeless black man playing accomplished violin music downtown. Steve, being a journalist, decided to go meet Nathaniel, the musician.
Steve continued to meet with Nathaniel, learned that he’s had schizophrenia since attending Juilliard and camped in nearby skid row. As the months passed, the newspaper developed a column, bringing more awareness of homelessness and mental illness.
It was hard to convince Nathaniel to enter a drop-in center, consider housing or perform in a love venue. With patience, leading Nathaniel to be more stable and appreciative, of course, progress is sometimes erratic with mental illness, but Nathaniel did start receiving lessons from a recognized musician, honed his technique and then received a little studio with some additional instruments in it.
After this book was written, “The Soloist” became a movie. Nathaniel’s sister Jennifer established the Friends of Ayers Foundation to help those affected by mental illness.
This book provides as satisfying a narrative as a novel would. It periodically backtracks to fill in Mr. Ayers background and family history, leading to where he ended up.
This was certainly not a happily-ever-after story because of the chronic nature of the illness, plus a lack of self-awareness or willingness to accept help from any professionals, especially after bad early experiences with the system.
One can only leave with a tentative hope when positive things do happen.
Here’s a link to some videos of Nathaniel playing music, including his performance at the 2009 NAMI conference. Enjoy!
Review submitted by Philip Wright, Artist and Pathways Member
January 2025
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