5 Ways Miles Caton’s Viral “Feeling Good” Moment Launched A Dual Hollywood And Music Career

Miles Caton is no longer just the young prodigy whose powerful rendition of "Feeling Good" captivated the internet; as of late 2025, he has solidified his status as one of Hollywood's most compelling new talents and a serious recording artist. His journey from a viral sensation to a breakout star in Ryan Coogler’s 2025 horror film, Sinners, is a testament to the transformative power of a single, raw performance.

This deep dive explores the full impact of that seminal moment—the "Feeling Good" cover—and how it became the unlikely launchpad for a multifaceted career spanning blockbuster cinema and a burgeoning R&B/gospel discography, proving that true talent, once discovered, cannot be contained in a single medium.

Miles Caton: Biography, Career Highlights, and Viral Roots

Miles Caton is an American actor, musician, and songwriter whose career trajectory is defined by a blend of old-school soul and new-age digital fame. His foundational moment came in 2017 with a raw, emotionally charged performance that paid homage to a jazz legend, a clip that would echo across the entertainment industry.

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• Full Name: Miles Caton
• Date of Birth: March 3, 2005
• Age (as of December 2025): 20 years old
• Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
• Occupations: Actor, Musician, Songwriter
• Primary Music Genres: Black Gospel, R&B, Blues
• Instrument: Vocals, Guitar
• Breakthrough Moment: Viral video of him singing Nina Simone’s "Feeling Good" in 2017
• Notable Film Role: Sammie in the 2025 horror film Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler
• Early Recognition: Praised by gospel greats like Yolanda Adams and Fred Hammond
• Television Appearances: Featured on NBC's Little Big Shots following his viral success
• Debut Single: "This" (details of his debut single were noted, though the release date is not specified in current snippets)

Caton’s musical roots are firmly planted in the Black gospel tradition, having performed since he was just two years old and blessing church pulpits long before he graced movie screens. This deep background in gospel music is evident in the soulful power and control of his voice, which first stunned the world with his cover of the classic "Feeling Good," originally made famous by Nina Simone in 1965.

The “Feeling Good” Viral Clip: A Cultural Earthquake

The video that changed Miles Caton's life was not a highly produced studio session but a simple, raw recording of him singing the iconic Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse song, "Feeling Good". The clip, which circulated widely in 2017, captured the kind of vocal maturity and emotional depth rarely seen in a young performer.

1. The Nina Simone Connection and Viral Spread

The original "Feeling Good" is a powerful anthem of self-discovery and freedom, and Caton's rendition managed to capture the song's gravitas while infusing it with his own unique, blues-tinged R&B flavor. The video's virality was instantaneous, not just due to the vocal prowess but the sheer unexpectedness of such a powerful sound coming from a then-12-year-old.

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The clip quickly transitioned from a social media phenomenon to a recognized piece of cultural currency. It led to appearances on mainstream television shows like *Little Big Shots*, showcasing his talent to a massive, global audience. This exposure was crucial in building the foundational fan base that would support his later ventures in both music and film.

2. The JAY-Z "4:44" Endorsement

The most significant validation of the "Feeling Good" clip's impact came from hip-hop mogul JAY-Z. A segment of Caton’s powerful performance was sampled and featured in a montage for JAY-Z’s 2017 short film accompanying his album *4:44*. This single act of recognition from one of the most influential artists in the world immediately elevated Caton’s profile from "viral kid" to "artist endorsed by a legend."

The inclusion in the *4:44* project solidified the performance as a moment of genuine artistic significance, linking the young artist to a lineage of Black musical excellence that includes Nina Simone herself. This high-profile co-sign was instrumental in opening doors in the music industry, leading to collaborations and praise from other artists.

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From Gospel R&B to Ryan Coogler’s *Sinners* (2025)

While the music world was paying attention, the film industry, particularly one of its most acclaimed directors, was also taking notes. Miles Caton’s transition from music prodigy to breakout film star is the latest and most exciting chapter in his career.

3. The Ryan Coogler Connection

Director Ryan Coogler, known for his work on *Black Panther* and *Creed*, was one of the many who were deeply moved by Caton’s "Feeling Good" performance. Coogler reportedly described the original video as being filmed in a "dark" setting, a quality that perhaps resonated with the director’s cinematic sensibilities.

This artistic appreciation led to Caton being cast in a pivotal role in Coogler’s 2025 horror film, *Sinners*. The film, which has been a major box office hit, features Caton as the character Sammie, marking his official and highly successful acting debut. His performance in *Sinners* has garnered significant praise, proving his versatility extends beyond the microphone.

4. The Dual Career Strategy: Music and Film

Unlike many young stars who are forced to choose a lane, Caton is successfully leveraging his viral fame to build simultaneous careers in two demanding industries. His work on *Sinners* not only showcased his acting chops but also his musical talent, as he is featured on the *Sinners* Original Motion Picture Score with the track "Magic What We Do (Surreal Montage)".

This cross-platform success is a modern blueprint for celebrity. The film roles provide massive visibility and cultural relevance, while his music—rooted in the soulful traditions of blues and R&B—allows him to express his authentic artistic voice. He has continued to build his discography, with tracks like "I Lied to You" and "Travelin'" further exploring his musical range.

5. Future Collaborations and Topical Authority

Miles Caton's current trajectory suggests a future filled with high-profile collaborations. He has already shared the stage or received praise from major figures across multiple genres, including gospel legend Yolanda Adams, influential producer Fred Hammond, and contemporary R&B star H.E.R.. These connections not only boost his topical authority but also signal his acceptance across various musical communities.

As the star of a major 2025 film and a recognized voice in the R&B and gospel spaces, Caton is a key figure bridging the gap between traditional soul music and modern digital stardom. His "Feeling Good" moment was not a flash in the pan but a seismic event that continues to generate aftershocks across the entertainment landscape, positioning him for a long and influential career in both Hollywood and the music industry.