In Luke 18:6, we read the words of the Savior as He says to the people, “Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” There is perhaps nothing sweeter than the pure testimony of the Savior coming from the heart of an innocent child. This is evidenced in a recent video of 3-year-old Claire Ryann Crosby from Utah as she shares her sweet, tender testimony of the Savior she loves through singing her favorite hymn, Gethsemane by Roger and Melanie Hoffman.
For the past 35 years, Roger and Melanie Hoffman have devoted their time and talents to creating music. Roger reflects on their songwriting experiences by stating, “sometimes [our] only role in the songwriting process is “showing up” because the “songs (are) delivered by grace.” Recently, in time for the Easter season, Covenant Communications released a picture book which combines the lyrics to Gethsemane with the works of several LDS artists.
According to a 23 March 2016, Deseret News article, “Roger and Melanie Hoffman have a soft spot in their hearts for kids, and much of their music is catered toward helping children come unto Christ.” Melanie recalls how naturally the words to the hymn Gethsemane flowed as she began to write them. Roger commented, “(The song) was a gift; it was given.”
In January 2016, 3-year-old Claire Ryann Crosby became a YouTube sensation when her rendition of “Part of Your World” from Disney’s The Little Mermaid went viral. Claire’s father, Dave, who writes music for commercials and movies, told KSL.com, “A few months ago, I was paying for an oil change, and when I turned around [Claire] was singing Little Mermaid in the lobby while everyone had their phones out recording her.” He also mentions that not only is Claire’s sense for pitch as a toddler impressive, but she also has an incredible memory which allows her to memorize the words to songs with very little help. As of late March 2016, the video has garnered over 8 million views.
On Monday, 21 March 2016, Claire returned to YouTube with her inspirational cover of Gethsemane. The video includes clips from the Bible videos produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A post on Claire’s Facebook page introduces the song, “A few weeks ago, Claire’s grandma introduced her to this song. Claire loved it and asked to hear it on loop for days. Before we knew it our house was filled with her tiny testimony singing this song as she played, ate, and as she fell asleep at night.” Her father helped to produce the video which has already been viewed over 83,000 times.
Here at Latter-day Saint Musicians, we are sure that you will be blessed by this precious little girl’s testimony through this inspirational song about the Savior’s final hours and His Infinite Atonement. We echo Claire Ryann Crosby’s testimony that Jesus Christ, our Lord, Savior, and Redeemer lives! We wish for all of you, Happy Easter!
So precious!
I noticed she is featured on Godvine….was glad to see that Christians of other faith are enjoying her sweet innocence and pure testimony.
Christians of other faith? What does that mean.
Jo, all Janet is saying is that she is glad to see Christians of other faiths enjoying Claire’s music. Claire Ryann and her family are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Good response Keith L. Brown! It amazes me sometimes that people start questioning/arguing when it seems the important thing to do is just enjoy the music. Beautiful music, songs, art, and talent are great things to share and enjoy as well as an expression of love. We do need more of that in the world!
It might be better described as ‘other Christian denominations’
….to clarify-
Do you have cds for sell she has touched my heart Shirley
Good morning, Shirley! I am not sure if Claire Ryann Crosby has CDs for sale but you can find all her music videos on YouTube. You can also contact her dad, Dave Crosby, through his social media channels and inquire as to what might be for sale. Thanks!
Keith Lionel Brown
Lead Writer, Manager for MormonMusic.org
I have fallen in love with this sweet, sweet spirit. When I listen to her sing, I feel the Saviour’s love.
Really loved her cuteness and talent.Hope she will grow up and serve God
This precious little one is already serving Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ! The voice of his little one!
I just adore this child and her anazing voice! I am a retired Elentary Music teacher (32 years) and just love to hear children sing! But in my 32 years of teaching I did not have too many like Claire! Someone forwarded a video of her singing to me. Hinestly, I cried. It touched my heart! I think she must be like I was at age 3…I think she has perfect pitch. I started playing any song I heard on the piano when I was Claires age. How exciting to know she sings to our God!
Thank you.
What an amazing, beautiful little girl. She’s a soulful little angel. ADORABLE!!!
I just watched, listened and felt the spirit as I heard this wonderful song from the church. Not only is Claire a great singer, but at the ripe old age of 3 years old she not only carries the tune wonderfully, she delivers it with the sensitivity of a much more mature (age-wise) child of God. She is an angel. All should listen and learn.
Hard to believe that a 3 year old could memorize all these words. She’s absolutely adorable.
She is amazing…she is an angel singing for us..
Claire, you give me hope everyday! Sometimes I’m so sad, I don’t want to do anything, then I turn on your video and watch you sing about Jesus and I feel Happy Again 🙂
You are God’s blessing to so many people.
Thank You for singing such a Beautiful song and Thank your Daddy and Mommy and your Grandma for share You with Us!
This last Sunday, I felt prompted to share this video with my Primary CTR 7 class. They loved it. Thank you Claire for sharing your special gift with others. You beautiful voice is like that of an angel!
I ran across the video of Claire and it was so heavenly. She sings with anointing and sensitivity way above her years. Many of souls shall be drawn in.
Sweet, innocence with the child-like faith the Savior loved & asks us to emulate. Such purity. Just want to hug this little angel!
Makes me cry with Tears of Joy!
I want to thank Claire and the Crosby family for sharing her and their talent and gift with all of us. I wish them the very best. I wish all families and people everywhere the very best.
This song is so precious. Thank you very much little angel for singing this song. It was heavenly. Looks like she is singing in heaven. Beautiful. Thank you Lord Jesus for giving her this talent. I pray might power of the Holy Spirit come upon her to sing for the Lord. God bless you and your family.
Beautiful Testimony! Thank you for sharing your precious child and her gifts from God with us all.
Jennie Scott on February 23, 2017
Dear Claire, I love your sweet Angelic voice. You are so amazing. I have 2 great-grandchildren your age. I see God’s gift in your singing. May you always have the spirit of the Lord in your precious voice.
She is an adorable Angelic being…for such is the Kingdom of God
She is a lovely, innocent child with a beautiful musical talent. I pray that her parents will protect her from being exploited for monetary gain. Wouldn’t want her to end up like Miley Cyrus or Lindsey Lohan. Too much fame can destroy a child if not carefully protected along the way.
I agree. That child has now done many videos and must have made a fortune for her parents. I hope she turns out OK. It was interesting in the beginning but now all the videos for the poor kid it just seems kind of sad.
She has the Voice of an Angel so beautifully sung god bless you Claire
This little girl has truly touched my heart with her sweet singing and her beautiful little spirit. Thanks so much for sharing her with all of us.
claire may you always be blessed and i absolutely adore you you are an angel be blessed angel baby
What religion is Dave Crosby & his family ?
What nationality are they ?
Just curious
Helen, Dave Crosby and his family are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS, Mormon)
They belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
They are LDS.
I cried!
A true gift from the Heavenly Father!
How does she learn to memorize and pronounce so many songs at her age, I know she can’t read at her age, I just love her facial expressions. She has brought joy into my life.
love this cutie <3
Claire,
Your voice is so precious not to mention you’ve learned all these songs by memory at your age. My family is also Mormon in El Paso, Texas. Please don’t stop singing because I have my little Zoe who has just received a piano from her great grandmother and hopefully she’ll follow in your steps. Sarah
I hope she still can enjoy her childhood. I would not like seeing being exploided by selfish parents.
She is precious and zhould just be a kid .Music can always be later done professionally.
Claire is an amazing and a Gift from GOD and i hope that she keeps up her singing. Precious little girl. Maybe June and Carson will follow in her footsteps!!
Claire’s rendering of Gethsemane at age 3 or 4 is, in my view, a great reflection of how a heart, small in size, can actually communicate , in vast measure, the sheer beauty and love of Jesus. When Claire sings, one is transported instantly , to a different world . She brings God very close indeed.
I am 84 now and as a retired musician and former schoolteacher, this was a joyous find . I listen to her every day and was so uplifted during and since my three cancer lymphomas. She has such deep sensitivity to the music. My sorrow is that I cannot anywhere find a cd to purchase. I’d like to obtain an extra copy or two to pass on to two daughters, whose spiritual journey is sadly lacking. I know they would be deeply moved at such faith. Please tell me where I can purchase. Thank you, Claire and dad, for your work for Christ.
May, I don’t believe that Claire has recorded any CDs as of yet. Her music is only available through her YouTube videos. I agree that it would be great if she were to record a CD. Maybe she will one day soon.