Street Performer of the Day

Street musician Charlie Rae had struggled for years to catch her big break. Then last week, San Diego resident Andrew Steelsmith heard her playing from a few blocks away. "I sat through three songs with my mouth wide open," he said. Eager to help her out, he posted his grainy cell phone video of her signature ballad, "What Do You Know," to Reddit, where it proved to be just the exposure Rae needed -- several producers and publishing companies have since come calling. In a Reddit AMA on Monday night, Rae thanked her new fans, and acknowledged her years of struggle: "Performing on the street has definitely been the most humbling experience for [me] personally. … I truly think playing on the street has been more intimate and a learning experience than any paying gig." [reddit]