Forget the Cash Cab: Washington Taxi Driver Offers In-Cab Karaoke

  • Share
  • Read Later
Getty Images

While most taxis supply their own music via the radio, cabbie Joel Laguido, 42, invites the Washington area to sing for him as he tours the streets of the nation’s capital.

Laguido started the tradition three years ago when he became bored of FM radio. (NewsFeed sympathizes with his lack of enthusiasm for Katy Perry’s “Hot N Cold.”) So he took matters into his own hands. He hooked up two screens to the backs of the front seats, hands passengers a microphone and gives them more classic songs than they know what to do with.

(LIST: Top 10 Songs with Silly Lyrics)

Laguido pulls up to night clubs and loudly sings to get people’s attention. It’s not unusual for late-night party-goers to jump into his cab and enthusiastically belt Journey and Bryan Adams all across the District.

As one would expect, the performances get mixed reviews. “Some customer is good, some customer is bad,” Laguido told the Washington Post in his usual broken English.

Laguido inherited a love for singing from his native Philippines, and when he needs a break, he’ll roll down the windows and sing his personal favorite, “Bed of Roses” by Bon Jovi.

Despite the on-the-job stress, it’s fun, he says. He enjoys driving, but his favorite customers are those that just belt and don’t care if they’re on key or not.

(LIST: Top 10 Summer Anthems)

Zachary Cohen is a contributor for TIME. Find him on Twitter at @Zachary_Cohen. You can also continue the discussion on TIME‘s Facebook page and on Twitter at @TIME.