David Tolley’s first performance on The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson

On December 19, 1985, David Tolley attended a taping of The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. When the scheduled pianist, Horacio Gutierrez, canceled due to an injury, Carson asked if anyone in the audience could play the piano.

Tolley, dressed casually in flip-flops and a Nike T-shirt, volunteered and delivered a spontaneous performance of “Memory” from Cats, captivating the audience and Carson alike.

This unexpected moment launched Tolley’s music career. He went on to compose for Steven Spielberg, create original music for Disneyland Paris and Tokyo, and perform for U.S. Presidents and international dignitaries. Tolley also wrote seven musicals, with one earning two Grammy nominations.

Today, Dr. David Tolley serves as a full professor and Director of the Music Industry Program at Delaware State University, mentoring aspiring musicians and sharing his remarkable journey from an impromptu performance to a distinguished career in music.

If you haven’t seen David Tolley’s legendary performance, you can watch it below. It’s a heartwarming, inspiring reminder that sometimes, the biggest stages come when you least expect them: