A lesson about how true talent always finds its way, even when faced with the crulest of obstacles. Two years later, David would release his first album, which would become the best-selling classical music album of the decade. Vincent Sterling continued to give private lessons at a community school, his international career permanently destroyed by his own arrogance.
The difference between them was not just their professional success, but the way each had chosen to use his talent. David used his music to lift others up, establishing educational programs in underserved communities. Vincent had used his to elevate himself above others until he discovered that heights built on prejudice always come crashing down.
David Thompson’s story has become legendary in music circles, not only for his extraordinary talent, but for proving the true artistic excellence knows no color, social class, or limitations imposed by those who fear greatness in others. As David always said to young students facing discrimination, the best revenge is not to destroy those who hurt you, but to build something greater than they could ever imagine.
