The Golden Voice (2025) Movie Script
1
Rittenhouse Square. Next stop.
Your knot's all jacked up.
What?
And that limb is too thin.
Jesus Christ,
if you're gonna do that
you might as well
pick a good one
and tie a decent knot,
for Christ's sake.
Here.
Give it to me.
Come on,
give it here.
All right.
Let's see what we got here.
Oh. You got this all
screwed up kid.
So what's your name?
KJ.
I'm Barry. Nice to meet you.
You know, in basic training
they taught us
every knot in the book.
There was your, um,
thumb knot, your reef knot,
your classic figure eight knot.
But my go-to knot
was the bowline.
Here. There's a bowline.
During the war
I'd have orders to, uh,
take some prisoners
into the jungle
with only a--a rifle
and a small shovel
and a handful of that rope.
And, um...
I'd let them
pick their own trees.
And then I would
stand there
and, um, watch them
put the rope over their head
and tighten their neck.
And, um...
then I'd point my rifle at them.
They'd step off.
Much cheaper
alternative, they said.
I was probably about your age.
A day doesn't go by
without me thinking
of the lives I took.
How many lives did you take?
One too many, kid.
One too many.
Sorry I asked.
Nah, it's all right.
It's a matter
of time for all of us.
But the how and when,
now that's a surprise.
Surprise, huh?
Oh yeah.
Because everybody
from our past
is up there
waiting with balloons
and, uh, all those
little things you blow through
and they make a loud,
obnoxious sound.
the whatcha-ma-call-it...
Kazoos.
That's it.
Kazoos.
Everybody's up there with
balloons and kazoos.
Um...
Hey, do me a favor, kid.
Toss that rope in that trash.
Yeah.
What's that right over there?
That?
It probably kept me from making
that knot a few times already.
What are you,
a wedding singer or something?
Nah, man.
Grew up in the church.
Just been doing
my own thing lately.
Figuring it out, I guess.
Always wanted
to be a songwriter
or start a group
or something like that.
Well, I gotta hear something.
Nah, man.
Oh, come on.
I'll trade ya.
One song and I'll go
into that trash can
and craft you a perfect knot
to handle your business.
I don't know, man.
Well, come on.
There's nothing else
going on out here.
Well, I'll be damned.
The deal is off.
Like hell you're gonna off
that voice on my watch.
I'm gonna start calling
you KJ Rittenhouse.
You wrote that?
Nah, man.
The Lumineers.
The Lumi-who?
Never mind.
Well...
Look here, KJ.
I don't know what your story is
but I can tell you one thing.
You're gonna perform.
Oh, yeah?
Oh, hell yeah.
You got a second chance here.
Don't screw it up.
I'll tell you what.
Where--where you staying?
All right, look.
Grab your shit and come with me.
Come on now.
Let's go.
They teach you how to sing
like that in church?
-Yeah.
- God damn,
I'm gonna have to renew
my membership to Jesus.
What's up with him?
Fentanyl.
Keep moving.
This is it.
It's not much.
But the, uh, the realtor
sold me on the view.
Sit.
Sit.
So how long you been out here?
Oh.
I've been at this spot
for the last three weeks.
I've been lucky.
You know, they're gonna catch me
sooner or later and run me off.
I lost my home in '92.
So, 2-02, 2-11,
2-12, 2-20, 2--
It'll be 30 years
come this winter.
No family?
Look, kid, I--I got
buckets of water
behind that curtain back there.
Uh, you can rinse off
and you can take
a couple of these crates
and what you're
sittin' on and rest up on.
I can't sleep on this.
Well, then I suggest
you take your ass down
to the Four Seasons,
because that's all I got.
I'll make you a deal.
You can stay here
as long as you need
but you gotta
promise me something.
And what's that?
You gotta write.
Every day.
Whatever bullshit
you got going on,
put it on paper
and bring it out on that guitar.
Got me?
Promise me something back?
We got a negotiator here, right?
Don't contact my mom.
Okay?
Okay.
And your father?
He, uh...
died a long time ago.
All right.
Now, listen up.
Every morning I go to eat
at the shelter at 7 AM sharp.
It's our only
decent meal of the day.
So get some sleep.
Hey, Barry?
Yeah?
Why you doing this for me, man?
Doing what?
I don't know.
Helpin'?
Let's just say I always
wanted to sit orchestra.
Now sleep.
Don't mind my snoring.
Good night.
And thank you.
Yeah, yeah.
Just write and sleep.
Jeez, you weren't kidding.
Attaboy. Attaboy.
Hey, hold it up, would ya?
Am I supposed to eat this?
Yep.
You'll get used to it.
Hey, Barry!
I'll be back
in a couple of hours!
Meet you at the same spot!
KJ?
Well, the kid is alive.
Sorry. Had to go, uh,
do a couple things.
Huh?
And how'd that go?
Uh, it was,
uh--it was--it was--
It was good.
It was good.
Well?
What?
Nothing.
What's that?
Ah, just a little something
to pass the time.
Can I see it?
Yeah.
Whoa.
This is--this is really good.
Well, you can give it a shot.
Nah.
Yo. It's not fun chasing
someone on foot
when they got a skateboard,
for real for real.
Dominic?
Yo, and you owe me
18 bucks for the taxi I took
to follow the bus.
Qu paso, papis!?
Yo, how'd you follow me?
You gotta work on your
camouflage game big time.
He was outside
the church this morning
-like no one was gonna see him.
-Okay.
Barry, meet Dominic.
We know each other
from my neighborhood.
Dominic, meet Barry.
It's nice to meet you, sir.
Yup.
So this is where you've
been kicking it, huh?
Damn!
Look at that view.
So, how'd you two
become friends?
Uh, who? This guy?
He's the reason I go
to church every day.
Yeah, shut up.
He probably hasn't
been there since I left.
Yo, it's about showing up.
Nobody cares if you sneak out.
You know, I was just about
to show KJ how to carve.
You're welcome to join.
All right.
Let's go, let's go.
Which knife is mine?
Do not give him a knife.
Yo, do not listen to him.
-Barry--
-Hey, would you guys shut up
and just,
and pay attention here?
Jesus.
You gotta find
the object within the wood.
And so, you carve it down.
Slightly.
Don't take big hunks.
And you'll find
what the object is.
Ed Sheeran, Michael Bubl...
What kind of stage name
is Michael Bubbles?
Barry, it's Bubl.
I like "KJ Rittenhouse."
Okay, you're gonna
learn to throw a jab.
You're gonna throw it
in this area right here.
Keep your elbows in.
That's it.
All right.
Now throw it.
That's it.
That's it.
That's it.
Yo, check out little
Mike Tyson over here.
Man, shut up.
You ain't gonna cap though.
You'd look hella dope
with a face tatt.
For real.
For real.
Shut up, Don King,
for Christ's sake.
Come on.
Okay, let's go.
Now this time
you're gonna slip the jab.
So, like I throw it
left and slip tap.
That's it.
That's good.
That's good, KJ.
Good.
Good.
Yeah.
That's great.
Hey, KJ!
Yeah?
Remind me to thank
Dominic for this soap.
Will do, Barry.
All right.
Cut that out.
Well, you stop drinking,
and I'll stop biting-- I am.
I am.
I'm putting the cap on.
All right then.
Out of sight, out of mind.
Let's go.
Pass me some wooder, would ya?
Water?
Wooder.
Barry...
What?
Water.
Wooder.
-I wanna have a drink.
-Okay, okay.
Here's the water.
Water.
Wooder.
God, you're so it's
gross.
Jesus Christ.
Hey, can I ask you something?
Sure.
You ever try working
over the years?
I'm a bum, kid.
I'm not worthy of a job.
Hey, you're not a bum.
You're a human being.
And a good one.
All right?
Thanks, kid.
My dad...
He, uh...
He died from cancer.
How old were ya?
Thirteen.
Oh, boy.
That's a tough age
to lose a loved one.
I suppose you
and your mom have
seen eye to eye since.
Oh, yeah.
Let me tell ya.
My dad...
he was the pastor
of our Baptist church.
He was my best friend, man.
When he died...
my mom became ordained
and kept the church going.
But I slowly lost faith in...
everything, really.
Let's just say
my lack of desire
to follow in his footsteps
wasn't exactly met with
open arms.
I mean, she always says...
"Music isn't a career."
Music isn't a career.
Just felt like I was letting
everyone down, you know?
Now she's starting
to date the bishop.
Can you believe that?
Nice guy?
Roger that.
So...
A few weeks ago
she caught me and Dominic
smoking weed in the backyard
which led to a big fight and...
I just ran away.
So, you're mad at your mom
for not supporting your music
and for starting to see someone.
And you're frustrated at God
for not curing your father.
Is that about it?
I mean, sort of, I guess.
Look, you grew up
in a nice neighborhood,
you're--you're educated,
and you damn near have
the voice of Luther Vandross.
You ought to be thanking your
mom for keeping the lights on.
You may not understand it now
because you're
too young but it's--
it's hard to find love after
it's been taken from you.
I'm not saying
how you feel is wrong.
You gotta remember
that your mother
deserves the right
to love and be loved again.
And I'm sorry about your father.
I'm sure he was a great man.
You know, we got people dying
every day out here from cancer,
drugs, and the war.
Somebody's getting
shot around here
for no damn reason, it seems.
I'm sure every family wishes
God would have done something
to prevent it from happening
to their loved ones.
You just never know when
it'll be the last time you're
with somebody
you care about.
Thanks, Barry.
Can I ask one more thing?
Can I stop you?
All kazoos aside,
what do you think
really happens when we die?
The answer, my friend,
is blowing in the wind.
The answer is
blowing in the wind.
Where'd that come from?
Just a little Bob Dylan.
That was great, man.
Yeah, yeah.
My wife asked me to sing to her
before she'd go to bed.
And this one time,
she had a fever
and she said a good song
is a better remedy
than any medicine.
What would you sing to her?
Oh, she liked good stuff,
you know.
None of this
Michael Bubbles stuff.
She liked Sinatra, Marvin Gaye,
if the mood was right.
-Hum.
-And, uh--and, uh--
Boy, I'd sing for her.
Even if I was sick,
I never missed a night.
She said I sounded like a
wolf serenading the moon.
Come on, man.
You know, the stars love it.
Where's she now?
Let's just hope
it's somewhere peaceful.
Hello, my heart.
It's been a few years
since I visited.
Forgive me.
I've been struggling
a little bit.
I'm sure you've noticed.
I'm not proud of it.
But it's just so hard
without you and...
I came across
a young man named KJ.
He's a musician.
Really talented.
He even thinks
I'm a halfway decent guy.
He seems a little lost.
So, I'm gonna stick by him
until he finds his way.
'Cause you taught me that.
To be there for someone
you care about
from the day, 'til the day.
I just miss you so much.
I'm gonna do my best to change.
Stop all this drinking nonsense.
You know, they got these
AA meetings at the shelter.
Maybe I'll give
that a shot, yeah?
Ah, Christ,
I just wish you were here.
We met after
I came home from Vietnam.
She was sitting
right down there
at that caf by herself.
She stopped me dead
in my tracks.
I was coming from the barber
for the first time in years.
And I was feeling all good,
looking my best.
And boy, I'll tell you,
she had on a long white dress,
and I just walked up to her.
I didn't know what to say.
So I said,
"Are you on your honeymoon?"
What?
Your honeymoon?
I don't know.
It was the dress, you know.
And she looked at me
and said, "No"
in the most beautiful
French accent.
What happened next?
Well, then I introduced myself
and asked for her name
and she said
"Elynore Rosenberg."
I asked if I could sit with her
for a minute and hear her story.
And she said "d'accord" which
means "Okay" in French.
So, we sat there for hours
talking about our lives.
We saw each other every day.
And before long,
we fell in love.
Two weeks later, I proposed.
Two weeks?
You're kidding me, right?
I knew she was the one.
I flew back to Paris with her
to meet her family,
and two days later, we were
married in a small synagogue
that her family
had helped restore.
I didn't have a home back here.
My parents had passed away
while I was deployed.
So I wanted to stay in Paris
and be near her family.
But El,
she had her mind made up.
She said a line
that I'll never forget.
What's that?
"The place that made you
is where I want to be."
So we moved into my
parents' place in West Philly.
We weren't rich,
but we had each other.
And then a few years later
came my most precious gift,
our son Jimmy.
That day in the hospital,
you couldn't have found
a happier man in the world.
For the first time
in my life, I felt purpose.
Driving home from the hospital
the next night
it was Christmas Eve,
and the snow was starting
to make its way down.
And I saw Elynore reach
over the front seat
into the back seat
to make Jimmy smile.
The next thing I knew,
a truck came skidding across 76.
I woke up
two days later in the ICU.
The doctor said we were hit
by a drunk driver going 80.
Everyone else died on impact.
I remember the pain of war,
watching all those men
gasp their last breath
and losing my combat brothers.
But even when I got the letter
that my parents had died,
somehow I was trained
to handle it.
But nobody's prepared
for this kind of pain.
So I took the easy way out.
You know...
it's hard to believe
in something up there
when there's so much
suffering going on down here.
A good song is a better
remedy than any medicine, right?
KJ Rittenhouse.
Good evening,
Pastor Hildy.
Dominic?
I just wanted to come by
and apologize
for what happened
a few weeks ago.
See how you were doing.
I've had better days.
He's okay.
I know he is.
I'm sure he's somewhere with his
guitar, singing his heart out.
I pray that's the case.
You care about him, huh?
Good friends
are hard to come by.
Well, I should
probably get going.
Have a good night, Pastor.
You too, Dominic.
Dominic!
I better see you
at church on Sunday.
No sneaking through the back,
you hear me?
Yes, ma'am.
Have a good night.
Good night.
Good night, boys.
What a game, too, huh?
- Right?
- Pardon me.
Watch where you're going,
you bum.
I'm not a bum.
What was that?
I said I'm not a bum.
Dude, let him go.
He's homeless.
Come on.
Probably has enough problems
figuring out where to shit.
My apologies, sir.
Did you catch the game tonight?
No.
Ah. Man,
you should have seen the end.
Right, boys?
Middle linebacker,
right up the middle one.
Come on.
All--all right.
Get off.
Get off.
Come on.
Get off.
Watch where you're
going next time, you bum!
What happened to you?
Ah.
Some punk kids.
You know, it happens to us
out here from time to time.
Barry, you need to go
to the hospital.
-No, no, no. No hospital.
-Why not? You're hurt.
Look at you.
No, no, no!
God damn it!
Just sit down.
Sit, sit, sit.
I can't go to the hospital.
That's ridiculous.
How come?
They'll take care of you.
No, no.
I've been out
on the streets for 30 years, KJ.
Do you think I'm gonna let
some punk kids bring me down?
Barry, you need to see someone.
See who, huh?
Who?
I go into the hospital,
then what?
They just find out I can't pay
and kick my ass to the curb
with a hospital gown still on.
You want to know
what really happens
to a guy like me when I die!?
Not a God damn fucking thing.
Nothing!
Take me to a plot
and toss me in.
That's it.
End of story.
So I'll take my chances
right here.
All right?
How much?
How much what?
In the hat.
Like five bucks and change.
Oh,
we're eating good tomorrow.
My treat.
Consider it a rent payment.
Done.
Uh...
Don't they have TV shows
for that kind of thing?
For what kind of thing?
For singing and uh, performing.
I--I've seen them
on buses and billboards.
Yeah, there's a bunch,
but...
those guys are like
really, really good, man.
You know what I'm about to say.
No, no, no.
You kidding me?
No, I suck compared to them.
No, KJ, you're wrong.
You got a voice good enough to
perform on any stage you want.
When you sing,
whoever's up there is dancing.
You're like Dean Martin
and Smokey Robinson
and Louis Armstrong.
Okay, okay.
Thanks, Barry.
I get it.
Thank you.
You know, I've been around
the block a couple of times.
And I've learned a lot out here.
Three things stand out.
What's that?
One, you gotta be
nice to people.
'Cause nobody likes an asshole.
And two,
die with memories,
not dreams.
One day you'll be
an old fart like me
and you don't want
to look back with regret.
So, uh...
so you swing for the fences
while you still got the chops.
You hear me?
And what about the third?
What?
You said three things?
I did?
Oh.
Um...
Well, besides a good song,
there's nothing better than some
mint chocolate chip ice cream.
God damn, that's good.
Look,
even if I wanted to go,
which would be amazing,
you got flights,
hotels, entry fees.
I can't afford that.
Not to mention the lines are
probably like ten miles long.
And like I said,
like the people are super
good and you know,
you gotta sign up
and I don't have a laptop,
I don't have a phone,
I don't have any of that--
What are you doing?
Barry, what are you doing?
What do you say?
No regrets, huh?
All right, I'm in.
Hey, now.
Guys, you want to come over
here and hear this kid sing.
He's right over there.
You want to hear this kid sing.
He's over here.
This kid's got a great voice.
Come on.
Thanks, everyone!
Excuse me. KJ?
Yeah?
Hi, I'm Taylor.
I'm a writer
for the Philadelphia Daily.
I'd love to know more
about what's going on here.
Uh, yeah.
Just trying to raise money
to go audition for a show.
May I sit with you for a minute?
I'd love to hear your story.
D'accord.
Ah, tu parles franais?
Merci!
So, tell me about yourself.
Where are you from?
From the Main Line.
Ooh, fancy boy.
Yeah, something like that.
And what inspires you?
What inspires me?
Music. Sports. Barry, really.
Look at this.
Look, look, see this?
This is big time.
Big time.
Sit down, man.
Stop.
"The Golden Voice in
Rittenhouse"
by Taylor Haynes.
Get
my glasses on here.
You know that
feeling of surprise--
You know that
feeling of surprise
that completely sweeps you
off your feet?
When you're hit with a moment,
one that you know instantly
will last a lifetime?
That's exactly what happened
inside of Rittenhouse Square
a few days ago.
I was walking through the park
when all of a sudden I heard a
voice piercing through the trees
as if Mother Nature
was guiding all of us
to a performance herself.
The voice belongs to
Philadelphia's Kelvin Jones Jr.,
but you can call him by his
stage name, KJ Rittenhouse.
He's raising money to go
audition for a television show.
KJ is currently homeless,
but under the protective wing
of his friend, Barry.
It's "a voice of gold,"
his friend claimed,
and I couldn't agree more.
KJ's next performance is this
Sunday at 12 o'clock noon
in Rittenhouse Square.
We should all take
the opportunity
to go support his journey.
You can thank me afterwards!
Rittenhouse Square.
We should all take
the opportunity
to go support his journey.
You can thank me afterwards!
You think people will come?
Oh, yeah.
Yeah, they'll be here.
And--and if they don't,
it doesn't matter.
You're going for it,
and that's all that
matters in life.
You know, I was thinking...
Oh now, don't strain yourself.
You're kind of like my agent,
promoter, security guard,
and everything else
in between, right?
Not bad for an old man.
So, because you do
so much for me,
I thought about getting
something nice done for you.
What's up, man? How you doing?
Who's this?
This is Brennan.
I met him a couple of days ago
while he was giving out
haircuts in the Square.
You must be Barry.
Nice to meet you, sir.
And thank you for your service.
Uh-huh.
You remember what you got done
before meeting Elynore
for the first time?
Well, Brennan here
is a local barber
who gives out haircuts
to the homeless.
And I can't have my manager
walking around
looking like
an overgrown fern, so...
So, if you don't mind, sir,
I'd love to give you
a fresh haircut free of charge.
Well, shit,
you don't have to tell me twice.
Where do I sit?
Right there is perfect.
All right.
So, what do you think?
You did a fine job, son.
A fine job, thank you.
Thank you.
Thanks again, B.
Any time, guys.
Good luck with
the performance tomorrow!
Looking sharp there, General.
Thank you, KJ.
That's the nicest thing
anybody's ever done for me, son.
Excuse me, ma'am,
but I'm looking
for Pastor Hildy.
That's me.
How may I help you, sir?
Oh, I figured that might be you.
Uh, my name is Barry Edwards
and I took the bus up
here from Center City.
Um, I've been watching
over your son.
You know where KJ is?
Yes, ma'am, I do.
He's a very special kid.
I'm not sure
if you saw this today.
I've got extra
copies, two or three.
Um, he's a good kid.
Perhaps a little lost,
but, hell--
excuse me, ma'am.
My apologies, Pastor.
I just thought
you should know he's okay.
Where is he staying?
We're currently
near the art museum.
What do you mean,
near the art museum?
Well, I'm not sure if my
appearance gives anything away,
but I'm homeless ma'am.
And I--I have a tent
pitched near there.
I crossed paths with your son
in Rittenhouse Square one night
when he was, uh, very upset
about a big argument at home.
But that was none
of my business.
I just saw a kid
in need for a friend.
Your son--
he's done a lot for me--
so I felt it was necessary
to come here tonight.
Can you take me to him?
Um, I promised KJ
I wouldn't come to see you.
So, uh,
Sunday is his last
performance in the Square,
and you being there might
mean something to him.
Performance for what?
Well, he's currently
raising money
to audition
for a television show.
And, um,
I'm not just saying this
because I'm biased or anything,
but he's capable of achieving
great things with his music.
You raised a heck of a kid.
I didn't mean
to interrupt your evening.
If you'll excuse me.
Did he tell you why he left?
He did.
May I ask what he said?
I would like to keep
that between me and him,
if that's all right.
Um...but I will say
I--I lost my only son
right after he was born.
And what I would do
to be his father again.
Mr. Edwards...
Thank you for helping my son.
Uh, let me get you
something to take with you,
maybe some food or clothes.
Oh, no, no.
That won't be necessary.
Okay, okay.
Just your time was enough.
Now you have a good night.
-Thank you.
-Have a good night.
You too.
They deliver wine
these days too.
-Hmm.
-Can you believe that?
Twenty-first century.
You should think
about going tomorrow.
I'm happy to take
care of the services.
Thank you.
That won't be necessary.
I think everything
will work out, okay?
This is all you tomorrow, KJ.
Here.
I wanna give you something.
Here.
Take it.
It was my Elynore's.
I can't take this, Barry.
Take it.
Take it.
Take it.
It's a tree of life.
The only thing her father
managed to keep while in hiding.
He gave it to her
when she turned 13.
Said it would protect her.
You can create your own
meaning for it, though.
For Elynore, the tree symbolized
resiliency against any storm
and we're all unique,
different colors,
shapes, sizes, like the leaves,
you know.
So, whether it's tomorrow
or any time in your life,
stand tall, be proud,
and believe
in what you are.
Understood?
Yes, sir.
All right, come on now.
Let's get out of here.
Gotta get you some rest.
Big day tomorrow.
Big day!
Man, shut up!
Sorry!
Ah, screw 'em.
Welcome, welcome.
Nice to see you.
Nice to see you, Bishop.
Good to be seen, Pastor Hildy.
Deacon, always a pleasure.
Thank you.
Hello.
Oh, and you brought a friend?
Okay.
Good to see you.
Walter, Blanca,
thanks for coming.
Nice to see you, Dominic.
Nice to see you too,
Pastor Hildy.
Uh, when you get a second,
I have to tell you
something about KJ.
Okay.
Welcome, hello.
Come on in.
Hey, KJ.
Hi, how you doing?
Hey, I'm gonna swing off
and do the signs.
You go ahead and get set up.
Hey, Barry!
Would you like some bread?
There you go.
They're ready for you.
Does that offer still stand?
Hey.
Oh, hey, you made it!
Yep, sure did.
We're all really excited.
This is the crew, as promised.
You weren't kidding.
Hey, how y'all doing?
Yes. Anyways,
I don't want to bother you.
Just wanted to send
you some good vibes.
-Yo.
- Thank you, Taylor.
-Appreciate you being here.
-KJ?
-You got this.
-What's good, my boy?
What's going on, bro?
Yo.
That dance man,
he catch my set
the other day.
He asked me to let you use
my mic and amp
for your performance, so...
-it's all yours.
-Bro, you serious right now?
So serious.
It's Philly, man.
Yo, we all we got.
We all we need.
-You know what I'm saying?
- Appreciate you.
-Thank you. Thank you.
- Kill that show.
Check, check.
What's up, Philadelphia?
Thank y'all for coming out.
My name is KJ Rittenhouse.
We love you, KJ!
I love you, too.
All right,
some of you may not know,
but my friend Barry here,
he inspired me to pursue
this crazy dream I have.
To be brave, stand tall,
and to live without regrets.
He's a man with a golden heart
and for that,
I thank you, my friend.
And with all your guys' help,
I'm one step closer
to making that happen.
So, thank you all.
This...
This song
is an original I wrote.
It's about finding something
that makes you feel good inside.
Something you know
is worth hanging on to.
Even when you lose your way.
That was amazing.
You did so good.
This is my sister, Mary Ann,
and some of our colleagues.
Thank you all for coming out.
We gotta get back to work,
but you did good,
you did so so well.
You killed it, bro,
but I'm gonna need this back.
All right, my guy.
Appreciate you.
Have a good one, man.
You too.
Hi.
Hey.
Oh.
I was worried sick about you.
I'm all right, Mom.
You were so good.
Thank you.
Come home, okay?
I'll let you two catch up.
All right.
Yo yo...
What's good, bro?
Glad you came.
Yeah, well, you know,
your mom convinced my parents
to let me skip service,
so I couldn't pass that up.
And besides, the first time
I got to hear you sing.
And?
Eh...
Yo, so we recording
that song or what?
Uh, have your people
call my people.
- We'll work something out.
- All right. Okay.
Nah,
I appreciate you, man.
For real, for real.
Okay,
all right, all right.
Let go, let go.
You're messing
up the sauce, papi.
Oh, my bad.
Hey, I'll be right back.
Yeah, yeah. Go do your thing.
Barry.
KJ.
I can't thank you enough for
everything you've done for me
these past couple weeks.
Oh, you don't have to
thank me for nothin'.
You gave me back
the greatest gift.
One that I thought
I'd never feel again.
And that's purpose.
For that, I'm grateful to you.
I do owe you an apology, though.
I might have threatened Dominic
by twisting his neck
to get the address
of your mother's church.
I gave you my word
I wouldn't go see her,
but I wanted to talk
to her-- Listen,
you don't have to
apologize for nothin'.
I owe you my life, Barry.
All right.
Sorry.
You know, we have
an extra room at the house.
I'm sure we could
figure something out if...
Oh, no.
This is my home.
You best be gone.
Go and make me proud of you.
Yes, sir.
All right.
-Thank you, Barry.
-Yeah.
Hey!
Make me a deal?
Shoot, kid.
If I get a ticket,
you'll come
to the audition with me?
I won't take no for an answer.
I wouldn't miss it.
I'll be back next week.
Sunday at noon.
Right here.
Mandatory meeting, General.
Yeah, I'll check my calendar.
See you then.
Take care, KJ.
Okay.
All right, everyone.
Let's get started.
Thank you all
for joining us today.
How about we begin
with you, sir.
If you could introduce
yourself to the group.
Hello.
My name is Barry.
Hello, Barry.
Um, this is my first time here.
Uh, and--
and I've been sober
for six days now.
Thank you.
Thank you for that.
How about you, sir?
And where are you off
to so early?
I'm gonna go tell Barry
about the audition.
I'll be back
in a couple of hours, okay?
Okay.
I love you.
Love you, too.
Barry! Barry!
Hey, have you seen
my friend Barry?
Barry?
White--
Okay, thank you.
Excuse me, officer.
Take a step back, please.
What happened?
The weather's starting
to take its toll out here.
Guy on the bench didn't
make it through the night.
EMT say he was a veteran, too.
Oh, geez.
I'm sorry, son.
Life handed
him many challenges,
and through that pain,
he was able to grow
and give selflessly
to those who needed a friend.
He will be missed dearly,
but never forgotten.
Let us pray.
-Hi.
-Hi.
I'm checking in
for Kelvin Jones Jr.,
but I go by the name of
KJ Rittenhouse.
KJ, KJ.
Got you right here.
Thanks for your patience.
You're all checked in.
You and your family
can wait backstage,
and you'll be called shortly.
Good luck.
Thank you.
KJ?
Yeah, that's me.
Okay, great.
You're on in five.
Well, this is it.
We're all so proud of you, KJ.
No matter what happens.
I'd love to lead us all in
prayer, if that's okay?
Absolutely.
Heavenly Father,
we ask that you give KJ
the power and strength
to go out on that stage
and do what he was born to do.
We ask that you
protect him, Lord.
Watch over him.
May he perform
to the best of his abilities
today and every day.
Be his rock, Lord,
that never crumbles.
And be by his side
no matter the outcome.
In Jesus' name we pray.
-Amen.
-Amen.
KJ, we're ready for you.
You got this, baby.
I love you, Mom.
Hello.
Hi, my name is KJ Rittenhouse,
and this is an original I wrote.
Oooo, Oooo
Oooo, Oooo
Oooo, Oooo
Oooo, Oooo
Oooo, Oooo
Made this for you last week.
Happy birthday, General.
Daddy, Daddy.
Come on, Mama's waiting!
Okay, Barry. Let's go.
You're gonna give bread
to anybody else?
Yeah.
I appreciate the sentiment.
This song really
Rittenhouse Square. Next stop.
Your knot's all jacked up.
What?
And that limb is too thin.
Jesus Christ,
if you're gonna do that
you might as well
pick a good one
and tie a decent knot,
for Christ's sake.
Here.
Give it to me.
Come on,
give it here.
All right.
Let's see what we got here.
Oh. You got this all
screwed up kid.
So what's your name?
KJ.
I'm Barry. Nice to meet you.
You know, in basic training
they taught us
every knot in the book.
There was your, um,
thumb knot, your reef knot,
your classic figure eight knot.
But my go-to knot
was the bowline.
Here. There's a bowline.
During the war
I'd have orders to, uh,
take some prisoners
into the jungle
with only a--a rifle
and a small shovel
and a handful of that rope.
And, um...
I'd let them
pick their own trees.
And then I would
stand there
and, um, watch them
put the rope over their head
and tighten their neck.
And, um...
then I'd point my rifle at them.
They'd step off.
Much cheaper
alternative, they said.
I was probably about your age.
A day doesn't go by
without me thinking
of the lives I took.
How many lives did you take?
One too many, kid.
One too many.
Sorry I asked.
Nah, it's all right.
It's a matter
of time for all of us.
But the how and when,
now that's a surprise.
Surprise, huh?
Oh yeah.
Because everybody
from our past
is up there
waiting with balloons
and, uh, all those
little things you blow through
and they make a loud,
obnoxious sound.
the whatcha-ma-call-it...
Kazoos.
That's it.
Kazoos.
Everybody's up there with
balloons and kazoos.
Um...
Hey, do me a favor, kid.
Toss that rope in that trash.
Yeah.
What's that right over there?
That?
It probably kept me from making
that knot a few times already.
What are you,
a wedding singer or something?
Nah, man.
Grew up in the church.
Just been doing
my own thing lately.
Figuring it out, I guess.
Always wanted
to be a songwriter
or start a group
or something like that.
Well, I gotta hear something.
Nah, man.
Oh, come on.
I'll trade ya.
One song and I'll go
into that trash can
and craft you a perfect knot
to handle your business.
I don't know, man.
Well, come on.
There's nothing else
going on out here.
Well, I'll be damned.
The deal is off.
Like hell you're gonna off
that voice on my watch.
I'm gonna start calling
you KJ Rittenhouse.
You wrote that?
Nah, man.
The Lumineers.
The Lumi-who?
Never mind.
Well...
Look here, KJ.
I don't know what your story is
but I can tell you one thing.
You're gonna perform.
Oh, yeah?
Oh, hell yeah.
You got a second chance here.
Don't screw it up.
I'll tell you what.
Where--where you staying?
All right, look.
Grab your shit and come with me.
Come on now.
Let's go.
They teach you how to sing
like that in church?
-Yeah.
- God damn,
I'm gonna have to renew
my membership to Jesus.
What's up with him?
Fentanyl.
Keep moving.
This is it.
It's not much.
But the, uh, the realtor
sold me on the view.
Sit.
Sit.
So how long you been out here?
Oh.
I've been at this spot
for the last three weeks.
I've been lucky.
You know, they're gonna catch me
sooner or later and run me off.
I lost my home in '92.
So, 2-02, 2-11,
2-12, 2-20, 2--
It'll be 30 years
come this winter.
No family?
Look, kid, I--I got
buckets of water
behind that curtain back there.
Uh, you can rinse off
and you can take
a couple of these crates
and what you're
sittin' on and rest up on.
I can't sleep on this.
Well, then I suggest
you take your ass down
to the Four Seasons,
because that's all I got.
I'll make you a deal.
You can stay here
as long as you need
but you gotta
promise me something.
And what's that?
You gotta write.
Every day.
Whatever bullshit
you got going on,
put it on paper
and bring it out on that guitar.
Got me?
Promise me something back?
We got a negotiator here, right?
Don't contact my mom.
Okay?
Okay.
And your father?
He, uh...
died a long time ago.
All right.
Now, listen up.
Every morning I go to eat
at the shelter at 7 AM sharp.
It's our only
decent meal of the day.
So get some sleep.
Hey, Barry?
Yeah?
Why you doing this for me, man?
Doing what?
I don't know.
Helpin'?
Let's just say I always
wanted to sit orchestra.
Now sleep.
Don't mind my snoring.
Good night.
And thank you.
Yeah, yeah.
Just write and sleep.
Jeez, you weren't kidding.
Attaboy. Attaboy.
Hey, hold it up, would ya?
Am I supposed to eat this?
Yep.
You'll get used to it.
Hey, Barry!
I'll be back
in a couple of hours!
Meet you at the same spot!
KJ?
Well, the kid is alive.
Sorry. Had to go, uh,
do a couple things.
Huh?
And how'd that go?
Uh, it was,
uh--it was--it was--
It was good.
It was good.
Well?
What?
Nothing.
What's that?
Ah, just a little something
to pass the time.
Can I see it?
Yeah.
Whoa.
This is--this is really good.
Well, you can give it a shot.
Nah.
Yo. It's not fun chasing
someone on foot
when they got a skateboard,
for real for real.
Dominic?
Yo, and you owe me
18 bucks for the taxi I took
to follow the bus.
Qu paso, papis!?
Yo, how'd you follow me?
You gotta work on your
camouflage game big time.
He was outside
the church this morning
-like no one was gonna see him.
-Okay.
Barry, meet Dominic.
We know each other
from my neighborhood.
Dominic, meet Barry.
It's nice to meet you, sir.
Yup.
So this is where you've
been kicking it, huh?
Damn!
Look at that view.
So, how'd you two
become friends?
Uh, who? This guy?
He's the reason I go
to church every day.
Yeah, shut up.
He probably hasn't
been there since I left.
Yo, it's about showing up.
Nobody cares if you sneak out.
You know, I was just about
to show KJ how to carve.
You're welcome to join.
All right.
Let's go, let's go.
Which knife is mine?
Do not give him a knife.
Yo, do not listen to him.
-Barry--
-Hey, would you guys shut up
and just,
and pay attention here?
Jesus.
You gotta find
the object within the wood.
And so, you carve it down.
Slightly.
Don't take big hunks.
And you'll find
what the object is.
Ed Sheeran, Michael Bubl...
What kind of stage name
is Michael Bubbles?
Barry, it's Bubl.
I like "KJ Rittenhouse."
Okay, you're gonna
learn to throw a jab.
You're gonna throw it
in this area right here.
Keep your elbows in.
That's it.
All right.
Now throw it.
That's it.
That's it.
That's it.
Yo, check out little
Mike Tyson over here.
Man, shut up.
You ain't gonna cap though.
You'd look hella dope
with a face tatt.
For real.
For real.
Shut up, Don King,
for Christ's sake.
Come on.
Okay, let's go.
Now this time
you're gonna slip the jab.
So, like I throw it
left and slip tap.
That's it.
That's good.
That's good, KJ.
Good.
Good.
Yeah.
That's great.
Hey, KJ!
Yeah?
Remind me to thank
Dominic for this soap.
Will do, Barry.
All right.
Cut that out.
Well, you stop drinking,
and I'll stop biting-- I am.
I am.
I'm putting the cap on.
All right then.
Out of sight, out of mind.
Let's go.
Pass me some wooder, would ya?
Water?
Wooder.
Barry...
What?
Water.
Wooder.
-I wanna have a drink.
-Okay, okay.
Here's the water.
Water.
Wooder.
God, you're so it's
gross.
Jesus Christ.
Hey, can I ask you something?
Sure.
You ever try working
over the years?
I'm a bum, kid.
I'm not worthy of a job.
Hey, you're not a bum.
You're a human being.
And a good one.
All right?
Thanks, kid.
My dad...
He, uh...
He died from cancer.
How old were ya?
Thirteen.
Oh, boy.
That's a tough age
to lose a loved one.
I suppose you
and your mom have
seen eye to eye since.
Oh, yeah.
Let me tell ya.
My dad...
he was the pastor
of our Baptist church.
He was my best friend, man.
When he died...
my mom became ordained
and kept the church going.
But I slowly lost faith in...
everything, really.
Let's just say
my lack of desire
to follow in his footsteps
wasn't exactly met with
open arms.
I mean, she always says...
"Music isn't a career."
Music isn't a career.
Just felt like I was letting
everyone down, you know?
Now she's starting
to date the bishop.
Can you believe that?
Nice guy?
Roger that.
So...
A few weeks ago
she caught me and Dominic
smoking weed in the backyard
which led to a big fight and...
I just ran away.
So, you're mad at your mom
for not supporting your music
and for starting to see someone.
And you're frustrated at God
for not curing your father.
Is that about it?
I mean, sort of, I guess.
Look, you grew up
in a nice neighborhood,
you're--you're educated,
and you damn near have
the voice of Luther Vandross.
You ought to be thanking your
mom for keeping the lights on.
You may not understand it now
because you're
too young but it's--
it's hard to find love after
it's been taken from you.
I'm not saying
how you feel is wrong.
You gotta remember
that your mother
deserves the right
to love and be loved again.
And I'm sorry about your father.
I'm sure he was a great man.
You know, we got people dying
every day out here from cancer,
drugs, and the war.
Somebody's getting
shot around here
for no damn reason, it seems.
I'm sure every family wishes
God would have done something
to prevent it from happening
to their loved ones.
You just never know when
it'll be the last time you're
with somebody
you care about.
Thanks, Barry.
Can I ask one more thing?
Can I stop you?
All kazoos aside,
what do you think
really happens when we die?
The answer, my friend,
is blowing in the wind.
The answer is
blowing in the wind.
Where'd that come from?
Just a little Bob Dylan.
That was great, man.
Yeah, yeah.
My wife asked me to sing to her
before she'd go to bed.
And this one time,
she had a fever
and she said a good song
is a better remedy
than any medicine.
What would you sing to her?
Oh, she liked good stuff,
you know.
None of this
Michael Bubbles stuff.
She liked Sinatra, Marvin Gaye,
if the mood was right.
-Hum.
-And, uh--and, uh--
Boy, I'd sing for her.
Even if I was sick,
I never missed a night.
She said I sounded like a
wolf serenading the moon.
Come on, man.
You know, the stars love it.
Where's she now?
Let's just hope
it's somewhere peaceful.
Hello, my heart.
It's been a few years
since I visited.
Forgive me.
I've been struggling
a little bit.
I'm sure you've noticed.
I'm not proud of it.
But it's just so hard
without you and...
I came across
a young man named KJ.
He's a musician.
Really talented.
He even thinks
I'm a halfway decent guy.
He seems a little lost.
So, I'm gonna stick by him
until he finds his way.
'Cause you taught me that.
To be there for someone
you care about
from the day, 'til the day.
I just miss you so much.
I'm gonna do my best to change.
Stop all this drinking nonsense.
You know, they got these
AA meetings at the shelter.
Maybe I'll give
that a shot, yeah?
Ah, Christ,
I just wish you were here.
We met after
I came home from Vietnam.
She was sitting
right down there
at that caf by herself.
She stopped me dead
in my tracks.
I was coming from the barber
for the first time in years.
And I was feeling all good,
looking my best.
And boy, I'll tell you,
she had on a long white dress,
and I just walked up to her.
I didn't know what to say.
So I said,
"Are you on your honeymoon?"
What?
Your honeymoon?
I don't know.
It was the dress, you know.
And she looked at me
and said, "No"
in the most beautiful
French accent.
What happened next?
Well, then I introduced myself
and asked for her name
and she said
"Elynore Rosenberg."
I asked if I could sit with her
for a minute and hear her story.
And she said "d'accord" which
means "Okay" in French.
So, we sat there for hours
talking about our lives.
We saw each other every day.
And before long,
we fell in love.
Two weeks later, I proposed.
Two weeks?
You're kidding me, right?
I knew she was the one.
I flew back to Paris with her
to meet her family,
and two days later, we were
married in a small synagogue
that her family
had helped restore.
I didn't have a home back here.
My parents had passed away
while I was deployed.
So I wanted to stay in Paris
and be near her family.
But El,
she had her mind made up.
She said a line
that I'll never forget.
What's that?
"The place that made you
is where I want to be."
So we moved into my
parents' place in West Philly.
We weren't rich,
but we had each other.
And then a few years later
came my most precious gift,
our son Jimmy.
That day in the hospital,
you couldn't have found
a happier man in the world.
For the first time
in my life, I felt purpose.
Driving home from the hospital
the next night
it was Christmas Eve,
and the snow was starting
to make its way down.
And I saw Elynore reach
over the front seat
into the back seat
to make Jimmy smile.
The next thing I knew,
a truck came skidding across 76.
I woke up
two days later in the ICU.
The doctor said we were hit
by a drunk driver going 80.
Everyone else died on impact.
I remember the pain of war,
watching all those men
gasp their last breath
and losing my combat brothers.
But even when I got the letter
that my parents had died,
somehow I was trained
to handle it.
But nobody's prepared
for this kind of pain.
So I took the easy way out.
You know...
it's hard to believe
in something up there
when there's so much
suffering going on down here.
A good song is a better
remedy than any medicine, right?
KJ Rittenhouse.
Good evening,
Pastor Hildy.
Dominic?
I just wanted to come by
and apologize
for what happened
a few weeks ago.
See how you were doing.
I've had better days.
He's okay.
I know he is.
I'm sure he's somewhere with his
guitar, singing his heart out.
I pray that's the case.
You care about him, huh?
Good friends
are hard to come by.
Well, I should
probably get going.
Have a good night, Pastor.
You too, Dominic.
Dominic!
I better see you
at church on Sunday.
No sneaking through the back,
you hear me?
Yes, ma'am.
Have a good night.
Good night.
Good night, boys.
What a game, too, huh?
- Right?
- Pardon me.
Watch where you're going,
you bum.
I'm not a bum.
What was that?
I said I'm not a bum.
Dude, let him go.
He's homeless.
Come on.
Probably has enough problems
figuring out where to shit.
My apologies, sir.
Did you catch the game tonight?
No.
Ah. Man,
you should have seen the end.
Right, boys?
Middle linebacker,
right up the middle one.
Come on.
All--all right.
Get off.
Get off.
Come on.
Get off.
Watch where you're
going next time, you bum!
What happened to you?
Ah.
Some punk kids.
You know, it happens to us
out here from time to time.
Barry, you need to go
to the hospital.
-No, no, no. No hospital.
-Why not? You're hurt.
Look at you.
No, no, no!
God damn it!
Just sit down.
Sit, sit, sit.
I can't go to the hospital.
That's ridiculous.
How come?
They'll take care of you.
No, no.
I've been out
on the streets for 30 years, KJ.
Do you think I'm gonna let
some punk kids bring me down?
Barry, you need to see someone.
See who, huh?
Who?
I go into the hospital,
then what?
They just find out I can't pay
and kick my ass to the curb
with a hospital gown still on.
You want to know
what really happens
to a guy like me when I die!?
Not a God damn fucking thing.
Nothing!
Take me to a plot
and toss me in.
That's it.
End of story.
So I'll take my chances
right here.
All right?
How much?
How much what?
In the hat.
Like five bucks and change.
Oh,
we're eating good tomorrow.
My treat.
Consider it a rent payment.
Done.
Uh...
Don't they have TV shows
for that kind of thing?
For what kind of thing?
For singing and uh, performing.
I--I've seen them
on buses and billboards.
Yeah, there's a bunch,
but...
those guys are like
really, really good, man.
You know what I'm about to say.
No, no, no.
You kidding me?
No, I suck compared to them.
No, KJ, you're wrong.
You got a voice good enough to
perform on any stage you want.
When you sing,
whoever's up there is dancing.
You're like Dean Martin
and Smokey Robinson
and Louis Armstrong.
Okay, okay.
Thanks, Barry.
I get it.
Thank you.
You know, I've been around
the block a couple of times.
And I've learned a lot out here.
Three things stand out.
What's that?
One, you gotta be
nice to people.
'Cause nobody likes an asshole.
And two,
die with memories,
not dreams.
One day you'll be
an old fart like me
and you don't want
to look back with regret.
So, uh...
so you swing for the fences
while you still got the chops.
You hear me?
And what about the third?
What?
You said three things?
I did?
Oh.
Um...
Well, besides a good song,
there's nothing better than some
mint chocolate chip ice cream.
God damn, that's good.
Look,
even if I wanted to go,
which would be amazing,
you got flights,
hotels, entry fees.
I can't afford that.
Not to mention the lines are
probably like ten miles long.
And like I said,
like the people are super
good and you know,
you gotta sign up
and I don't have a laptop,
I don't have a phone,
I don't have any of that--
What are you doing?
Barry, what are you doing?
What do you say?
No regrets, huh?
All right, I'm in.
Hey, now.
Guys, you want to come over
here and hear this kid sing.
He's right over there.
You want to hear this kid sing.
He's over here.
This kid's got a great voice.
Come on.
Thanks, everyone!
Excuse me. KJ?
Yeah?
Hi, I'm Taylor.
I'm a writer
for the Philadelphia Daily.
I'd love to know more
about what's going on here.
Uh, yeah.
Just trying to raise money
to go audition for a show.
May I sit with you for a minute?
I'd love to hear your story.
D'accord.
Ah, tu parles franais?
Merci!
So, tell me about yourself.
Where are you from?
From the Main Line.
Ooh, fancy boy.
Yeah, something like that.
And what inspires you?
What inspires me?
Music. Sports. Barry, really.
Look at this.
Look, look, see this?
This is big time.
Big time.
Sit down, man.
Stop.
"The Golden Voice in
Rittenhouse"
by Taylor Haynes.
Get
my glasses on here.
You know that
feeling of surprise--
You know that
feeling of surprise
that completely sweeps you
off your feet?
When you're hit with a moment,
one that you know instantly
will last a lifetime?
That's exactly what happened
inside of Rittenhouse Square
a few days ago.
I was walking through the park
when all of a sudden I heard a
voice piercing through the trees
as if Mother Nature
was guiding all of us
to a performance herself.
The voice belongs to
Philadelphia's Kelvin Jones Jr.,
but you can call him by his
stage name, KJ Rittenhouse.
He's raising money to go
audition for a television show.
KJ is currently homeless,
but under the protective wing
of his friend, Barry.
It's "a voice of gold,"
his friend claimed,
and I couldn't agree more.
KJ's next performance is this
Sunday at 12 o'clock noon
in Rittenhouse Square.
We should all take
the opportunity
to go support his journey.
You can thank me afterwards!
Rittenhouse Square.
We should all take
the opportunity
to go support his journey.
You can thank me afterwards!
You think people will come?
Oh, yeah.
Yeah, they'll be here.
And--and if they don't,
it doesn't matter.
You're going for it,
and that's all that
matters in life.
You know, I was thinking...
Oh now, don't strain yourself.
You're kind of like my agent,
promoter, security guard,
and everything else
in between, right?
Not bad for an old man.
So, because you do
so much for me,
I thought about getting
something nice done for you.
What's up, man? How you doing?
Who's this?
This is Brennan.
I met him a couple of days ago
while he was giving out
haircuts in the Square.
You must be Barry.
Nice to meet you, sir.
And thank you for your service.
Uh-huh.
You remember what you got done
before meeting Elynore
for the first time?
Well, Brennan here
is a local barber
who gives out haircuts
to the homeless.
And I can't have my manager
walking around
looking like
an overgrown fern, so...
So, if you don't mind, sir,
I'd love to give you
a fresh haircut free of charge.
Well, shit,
you don't have to tell me twice.
Where do I sit?
Right there is perfect.
All right.
So, what do you think?
You did a fine job, son.
A fine job, thank you.
Thank you.
Thanks again, B.
Any time, guys.
Good luck with
the performance tomorrow!
Looking sharp there, General.
Thank you, KJ.
That's the nicest thing
anybody's ever done for me, son.
Excuse me, ma'am,
but I'm looking
for Pastor Hildy.
That's me.
How may I help you, sir?
Oh, I figured that might be you.
Uh, my name is Barry Edwards
and I took the bus up
here from Center City.
Um, I've been watching
over your son.
You know where KJ is?
Yes, ma'am, I do.
He's a very special kid.
I'm not sure
if you saw this today.
I've got extra
copies, two or three.
Um, he's a good kid.
Perhaps a little lost,
but, hell--
excuse me, ma'am.
My apologies, Pastor.
I just thought
you should know he's okay.
Where is he staying?
We're currently
near the art museum.
What do you mean,
near the art museum?
Well, I'm not sure if my
appearance gives anything away,
but I'm homeless ma'am.
And I--I have a tent
pitched near there.
I crossed paths with your son
in Rittenhouse Square one night
when he was, uh, very upset
about a big argument at home.
But that was none
of my business.
I just saw a kid
in need for a friend.
Your son--
he's done a lot for me--
so I felt it was necessary
to come here tonight.
Can you take me to him?
Um, I promised KJ
I wouldn't come to see you.
So, uh,
Sunday is his last
performance in the Square,
and you being there might
mean something to him.
Performance for what?
Well, he's currently
raising money
to audition
for a television show.
And, um,
I'm not just saying this
because I'm biased or anything,
but he's capable of achieving
great things with his music.
You raised a heck of a kid.
I didn't mean
to interrupt your evening.
If you'll excuse me.
Did he tell you why he left?
He did.
May I ask what he said?
I would like to keep
that between me and him,
if that's all right.
Um...but I will say
I--I lost my only son
right after he was born.
And what I would do
to be his father again.
Mr. Edwards...
Thank you for helping my son.
Uh, let me get you
something to take with you,
maybe some food or clothes.
Oh, no, no.
That won't be necessary.
Okay, okay.
Just your time was enough.
Now you have a good night.
-Thank you.
-Have a good night.
You too.
They deliver wine
these days too.
-Hmm.
-Can you believe that?
Twenty-first century.
You should think
about going tomorrow.
I'm happy to take
care of the services.
Thank you.
That won't be necessary.
I think everything
will work out, okay?
This is all you tomorrow, KJ.
Here.
I wanna give you something.
Here.
Take it.
It was my Elynore's.
I can't take this, Barry.
Take it.
Take it.
Take it.
It's a tree of life.
The only thing her father
managed to keep while in hiding.
He gave it to her
when she turned 13.
Said it would protect her.
You can create your own
meaning for it, though.
For Elynore, the tree symbolized
resiliency against any storm
and we're all unique,
different colors,
shapes, sizes, like the leaves,
you know.
So, whether it's tomorrow
or any time in your life,
stand tall, be proud,
and believe
in what you are.
Understood?
Yes, sir.
All right, come on now.
Let's get out of here.
Gotta get you some rest.
Big day tomorrow.
Big day!
Man, shut up!
Sorry!
Ah, screw 'em.
Welcome, welcome.
Nice to see you.
Nice to see you, Bishop.
Good to be seen, Pastor Hildy.
Deacon, always a pleasure.
Thank you.
Hello.
Oh, and you brought a friend?
Okay.
Good to see you.
Walter, Blanca,
thanks for coming.
Nice to see you, Dominic.
Nice to see you too,
Pastor Hildy.
Uh, when you get a second,
I have to tell you
something about KJ.
Okay.
Welcome, hello.
Come on in.
Hey, KJ.
Hi, how you doing?
Hey, I'm gonna swing off
and do the signs.
You go ahead and get set up.
Hey, Barry!
Would you like some bread?
There you go.
They're ready for you.
Does that offer still stand?
Hey.
Oh, hey, you made it!
Yep, sure did.
We're all really excited.
This is the crew, as promised.
You weren't kidding.
Hey, how y'all doing?
Yes. Anyways,
I don't want to bother you.
Just wanted to send
you some good vibes.
-Yo.
- Thank you, Taylor.
-Appreciate you being here.
-KJ?
-You got this.
-What's good, my boy?
What's going on, bro?
Yo.
That dance man,
he catch my set
the other day.
He asked me to let you use
my mic and amp
for your performance, so...
-it's all yours.
-Bro, you serious right now?
So serious.
It's Philly, man.
Yo, we all we got.
We all we need.
-You know what I'm saying?
- Appreciate you.
-Thank you. Thank you.
- Kill that show.
Check, check.
What's up, Philadelphia?
Thank y'all for coming out.
My name is KJ Rittenhouse.
We love you, KJ!
I love you, too.
All right,
some of you may not know,
but my friend Barry here,
he inspired me to pursue
this crazy dream I have.
To be brave, stand tall,
and to live without regrets.
He's a man with a golden heart
and for that,
I thank you, my friend.
And with all your guys' help,
I'm one step closer
to making that happen.
So, thank you all.
This...
This song
is an original I wrote.
It's about finding something
that makes you feel good inside.
Something you know
is worth hanging on to.
Even when you lose your way.
That was amazing.
You did so good.
This is my sister, Mary Ann,
and some of our colleagues.
Thank you all for coming out.
We gotta get back to work,
but you did good,
you did so so well.
You killed it, bro,
but I'm gonna need this back.
All right, my guy.
Appreciate you.
Have a good one, man.
You too.
Hi.
Hey.
Oh.
I was worried sick about you.
I'm all right, Mom.
You were so good.
Thank you.
Come home, okay?
I'll let you two catch up.
All right.
Yo yo...
What's good, bro?
Glad you came.
Yeah, well, you know,
your mom convinced my parents
to let me skip service,
so I couldn't pass that up.
And besides, the first time
I got to hear you sing.
And?
Eh...
Yo, so we recording
that song or what?
Uh, have your people
call my people.
- We'll work something out.
- All right. Okay.
Nah,
I appreciate you, man.
For real, for real.
Okay,
all right, all right.
Let go, let go.
You're messing
up the sauce, papi.
Oh, my bad.
Hey, I'll be right back.
Yeah, yeah. Go do your thing.
Barry.
KJ.
I can't thank you enough for
everything you've done for me
these past couple weeks.
Oh, you don't have to
thank me for nothin'.
You gave me back
the greatest gift.
One that I thought
I'd never feel again.
And that's purpose.
For that, I'm grateful to you.
I do owe you an apology, though.
I might have threatened Dominic
by twisting his neck
to get the address
of your mother's church.
I gave you my word
I wouldn't go see her,
but I wanted to talk
to her-- Listen,
you don't have to
apologize for nothin'.
I owe you my life, Barry.
All right.
Sorry.
You know, we have
an extra room at the house.
I'm sure we could
figure something out if...
Oh, no.
This is my home.
You best be gone.
Go and make me proud of you.
Yes, sir.
All right.
-Thank you, Barry.
-Yeah.
Hey!
Make me a deal?
Shoot, kid.
If I get a ticket,
you'll come
to the audition with me?
I won't take no for an answer.
I wouldn't miss it.
I'll be back next week.
Sunday at noon.
Right here.
Mandatory meeting, General.
Yeah, I'll check my calendar.
See you then.
Take care, KJ.
Okay.
All right, everyone.
Let's get started.
Thank you all
for joining us today.
How about we begin
with you, sir.
If you could introduce
yourself to the group.
Hello.
My name is Barry.
Hello, Barry.
Um, this is my first time here.
Uh, and--
and I've been sober
for six days now.
Thank you.
Thank you for that.
How about you, sir?
And where are you off
to so early?
I'm gonna go tell Barry
about the audition.
I'll be back
in a couple of hours, okay?
Okay.
I love you.
Love you, too.
Barry! Barry!
Hey, have you seen
my friend Barry?
Barry?
White--
Okay, thank you.
Excuse me, officer.
Take a step back, please.
What happened?
The weather's starting
to take its toll out here.
Guy on the bench didn't
make it through the night.
EMT say he was a veteran, too.
Oh, geez.
I'm sorry, son.
Life handed
him many challenges,
and through that pain,
he was able to grow
and give selflessly
to those who needed a friend.
He will be missed dearly,
but never forgotten.
Let us pray.
-Hi.
-Hi.
I'm checking in
for Kelvin Jones Jr.,
but I go by the name of
KJ Rittenhouse.
KJ, KJ.
Got you right here.
Thanks for your patience.
You're all checked in.
You and your family
can wait backstage,
and you'll be called shortly.
Good luck.
Thank you.
KJ?
Yeah, that's me.
Okay, great.
You're on in five.
Well, this is it.
We're all so proud of you, KJ.
No matter what happens.
I'd love to lead us all in
prayer, if that's okay?
Absolutely.
Heavenly Father,
we ask that you give KJ
the power and strength
to go out on that stage
and do what he was born to do.
We ask that you
protect him, Lord.
Watch over him.
May he perform
to the best of his abilities
today and every day.
Be his rock, Lord,
that never crumbles.
And be by his side
no matter the outcome.
In Jesus' name we pray.
-Amen.
-Amen.
KJ, we're ready for you.
You got this, baby.
I love you, Mom.
Hello.
Hi, my name is KJ Rittenhouse,
and this is an original I wrote.
Oooo, Oooo
Oooo, Oooo
Oooo, Oooo
Oooo, Oooo
Oooo, Oooo
Made this for you last week.
Happy birthday, General.
Daddy, Daddy.
Come on, Mama's waiting!
Okay, Barry. Let's go.
You're gonna give bread
to anybody else?
Yeah.
I appreciate the sentiment.
This song really