Leo Gillick
A 72-year-old has gone viral online for their wonderful covers.
Videos by Rare
It’s not unheard of for a person of 72 years or more to be still able to sing. Look at Chaka Khan, Cyndi Lauper, and Michael Bolton. But it’s always nice to see old folks still finding joy in something they love. Frank Watkinson of England has melted people’s hearts with his beautiful voice and guitar playing.
Never Too Late: He may have missed his calling in younger life, but the former telephone worker is making waves now. With a library of beautiful covers, the 72-year-old has become somewhat of a viral sensation.
- He’s racked up over a million subscribers on YouTube and half that on Instagram. It appears folks really like the slowed-down, guitar versions of this old man’s covers. I have to say, when I hear some performative hipster whip out a guitar and play a half-speed version of No Diggity, it makes me want to make them eat their instrument.
Just Put Feeling Into It
When asked by KVUE about how he’s managed to do so well, his answer is simple.
- “Well,” he begins. “I just slow everything down, and then I put as much feeling into that as I can.” It’s just an old guy with some slow jams and big emotions. It certainly works on the crowds, too. The 72-year-old is viral for his vocals.
- But fame and fortune were never old Frank’s goal. He was just another pensioner looking for a hobby. “I didn’t do it to get listeners,” he says. “I just did it for something to do, and then I started getting requests.”
Somehow, the YouTube algorithm had picked out Frank as their next viral sensation and boosted the 72-year-old to the feeds. From there, he’s just gone from strength to strength, strumming his heart out.
His requests have taken the old guys’ talents in all kinds of directions. He’s open to playing anything and adds his own heartfelt halftime style to it. He’s covered everything from Slipknot to old folk songs. There doesn’t seem to be anything he isn’t willing to put his musical talents to.
