Filed by KOSU News in US News.
August 13, 2011

Some cab drivers might stay silent with a customer in their car. Others can talk your ear off. Joel Laguidao just wants to sing with you.

Laguidao has become known as the karaoke cab driver. While driving for Red Top Cab Company on weekend nights around Arlington, Va., he sings favorites like Journey’s “Faithfully” and Bon Jovi’s “Bed of Roses.”

It started about three years ago. Laguidao grew tired of the FM radio offerings and bought a karaoke machine. He has two small monitors for reading lyrics, a large silver microphone and a thick song catalogue.

The karaoke setup also helps him get passengers on weekend nights. Sometimes, he’ll roll down the window and start singing to potential customers.

“They’re shocked,” Laguidao says. “They say, ‘Really? Run the meter, let’s go sing.”

Others might book him for a later trip. “They get my number, and then, after like one o’clock, two o’clock in the morning, they shout in my car singing,” Laguidao says. They “need more liquid in the belly first,” he laughs.

By the Washington’s Courthouse Metro station, Laguidao rolls down his window and calls out to a guy leaving a bar. Before Laguidao can even explain his unique cab, the man’s face lights up.

“Are you guys the karaoke cab?” Tim Jacobs shouts. He and a friend, Brian McKeever, climb in.

After some back and forth about song choice — should it be “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” or “Don’t Stop Believin?” — the pair settles on “Summer of ’69.”

The two clap while singing passionately — and off-key. Laguidao joins in. “Those were the best days of my life!” booms the car’s speaker system.

After the song ends, Jacobs and McKeever arrive at their destination and wish Laguadiao the best.

“That’s a good customer,” Laguidao smiles widely. [Copyright 2011 National Public Radio]