Community Corner

The Lively Streets Of Charleston: James Floyd

James Floyd has been playing his violin on the streets of Downtown Charleston for the past five years.

"I support me and momma," Floyd said. "Some days are better than others."

He said the money he earns from passers by that drop dollars into his violin case is enough to supplement his mother's fixed income and keep the pair fed.

Floyd began playing violin at age 7 until he was 18, before he picked the instrument up again about a decade ago. Along the way he's played other instruments as well.

"Anything that goes in my ears comes out my hands," he said.

Floyd has juggled many styles of music since he was a teen, playing country music for his parents, classical music in his high school band and bands like Van Halen for himself.


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