One of those artists who make you feel like the magic of music is still alive in public spaces, Mike Yung has been singing on the streets and subways of New York City for over 40 years. From his humble beginnings, he has emerged as a staple performer in the Big Apple, winning praise from everyday passers-by to big-name artists like Ed Sheeran

What you need to know
Long before busking was something people expected to see in major cities like New York, Mike Yung was out on the streets or down in the underground - sharing his musical talents with the world.

As far back as 1980, when Mike was just 20 years old, he sang on the streets of Manhattan. With his gift for crooning, hair-raising soul music covers, Mike single-handedly built up his reputation; he also injected some much-needed colour into New York’s grey, dull subway stations.

In recent years, after decades of plying his trade through street performance, Mike Yung caught a bigger break for himself. He received overwhelming acclaim after appearing on America’s Got Talent back in 2017. In particular, his cover of ‘Unchained Melody’ was considered one of the season’s clear highlights.

Since then, Mike has divided his time between managing his newfound superstardom and recording his own music. He also tries to spend as much time as possible continuing to do the thing he truly loves - impromptu street performances on the subway stations of New York.

Mike Yung’s spinetingling voice is one in a million. It’s the kind of voice that Sam Cooke lovers, Otis Redding lovers, and Ray Charles lovers can immediately latch onto - it’s soul music down to its barest, purest form.

The artist also has this live presence that speaks to how much of a natural he is. Having spent years competing with the noisy hustle and bustle of the New York City subway - with all its screeching trains, loud tannoy announcements, and cacophony of voices - Mike’s vocals have this hardened timbre and a loud, proud, showstopping power.

He sings with an effortless demeanour. He’s the kind of street performer who makes other street performers jealous.

Where you can catch Mike Yung performing

Mike Jung is famous for performing at the centrally-located subway station on 23rd and Sixth Avenue, near the Flatiron District of Manhattan. His life may have changed since his appearance on America’s Got Talent, but he still cites this as where you’re most likely to catch his blistering subway/street shows.

You can also catch recorded versions of his live performances on various social media channels. Many of his performances have gone viral, including a heart-warming subway performance where Ed Sheeran appeared to Mike as he covered Sheeran’s song ‘Eyes Closed’.

What else you should know about Mike Yung

The artist has released his own original music in recent years, to the delight of his growing fanbase. His excellent debut single ‘Alright’ was released in 2019, while a collaborative song with electronica producer Martin Garrix - called ‘Dreamer’ - came out the same year.