Thanks to YouTube, Jesse's a Rockstar at 14

New media consultant Shel Israel has started asking the readers of his blog to send in some good social media stories he can publish. The first one he covered is the story of a 14 year guitar player named Jesse Gold who made it to the big time thanks to YouTube.

The story starts with Nikki Yanofsky, a teen who spends lots of spare time watching YouTube videos.  But Yanofsky is a little different than most 14 year olds - she is a well known jazz singer, perhaps best known for the work she did for High School Musical II (I am sure she would shudder at this description). 

Nikki was working on a video with Wyclef Jean. During some downtime she shared one of her YouTube faves.  The reggae/hip hop superstar liked some of the songs Jesse has posted on YouTube and invited the young guitar player to a benefit concert. 

Jessie's turn on the big stage

Much to his surprise, when Jessie got the concert he was invited up on the stage to perform one of his original compositions on stage with Wyclef.

Jessie's YouTube library still includes his high school performances from 'Fiddler on the Roof', as well as few original songs he performed with his brother. Now it also includes his turn on stage with a superstar.

Will Jessie ever become a star in his own right?  It can happen!  Remember last year the classic rock band Journey found it's new lead singer from a YouTube cover video posted in Manilla.