Photo via: WKYC
Darrius Simmons, who was born with four fingers and no bones below his knees, was first introduced to the piano at age 10 by way of his grandfather. Simmons was only 18-months-old when both of his legs were amputated.
Becoming a self-taught pianist and learning how to use his prosthetic legs to play the piano pedals, Simmons started to make videos to showcase his talent. This eventually led to the Ohio teen to be invited by internationally renowned pianist-composer, Yiruma, to play at Carnegie Hall. He was only 15 years old at the time. Since that performance, Simmons started creating his own music.
“I was so worried for him when he was born. But he took off crawling and when he could talk, the most you would ever hear him say is, ‘I can do it! I can do it!’ I knew it would be fine and he’s proving it,” Darrius’ mom, Tamara Simmons, told WKYC. “He still makes me go WOW!!!”
Now two years later, the 17-year-old Warren G. Harding High School junior has wowed the entire internet once more with his original composition, “Dreams are Forever.” Simmons shared the video on Facebook last month with a caption that read: “Still got some work to do but I thought it was time for me to share this piece that I made myself. It took a lot of hard work but I feel like it paid off by making this song. I hope you enjoy watching and listening.”
Simmons also plays the trombone and plans to pursue music when he goes off to college.
“I want to be an inspiration for people. That’s what I want to do when I get older,” Simmons expressed. “To prove you can do things when you put your mind to it. That’s really my main goal. To be an inspiration to people.”
Darrius, you already are! We can’t wait to see where your incredible talent will take you next.