In The Soloist we learn that Nathaniel Anthony Ayers (played by Jamie Foxx) was once a music prodigy who attended Julliard, but is now living on the streets. He represents over 3.5 million men, women and children in the United States who are homeless. Nathaniel stood out to Los Angeles Times reporter Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) b/c of his talent, but everybody has a story. Here is Beth's.