Mat and Savanna Shaw from Kaysville, Utah, are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as “the Mormon Church”). Amid the melancholy caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, the father daughter duo have set out to be a ray of hope and sunshine in spite of what otherwise appears to be a dismal situation.
When the father and daughter duo sat down at their kitchen table in late February 2020 to sing “The Prayer” —originally made famous by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli in the late ’90s—the intent was to make a video solely for their family and friends. They decided to make the video when 15-year-old Savanna’s choir canceled practices due to the COVID-19 outbreak. In a two-week period, the four-minute video, which was released on 6 March 2020, has more than 2.7 million views on YouTube and 4.4 million views on Facebook.
In a telephone interview, Mat Shaw told The Daily Signal, “I think it’s been touching for some people to see a family, a father-daughter relationship, enjoying their talents and spending time together, it reminds them of their own relationships.” Savanna added, “I just wanted to be able to keep in touch with my friends. I had not had social media before this. . . .I just wanted to post a song to start out on Instagram.”
Neither 39-year-old Mat nor his 15-year-old daughter Savanna are experienced in working with social media. Mat admitted, “I don’t have any experience with YouTube at all, as far as posting … It took me hours. I had to figure out how to start a channel and then [“The Prayer”] was our first post to YouTube.” The Daily Signal reports that what the duo lacks in social media know-how was more than made up for in their performance of the song and the message of hope it inspires.
The success of their first song has led them to record more songs of hope and inspiration. The five songs that they have recorded thus far have been made in their “quarantine recording studio”—what the pair calls their in-home closet setup.
Mat commented, “Neither of us have ever set foot in a real-life recording studio, so I don’t know what’s normal. But for us, normal is an iPad, a little mic that plugs into the iPad that we bought at the Apple Store. [The iPad] is propped up by my pajama pants in my closet.” After the audio is recorded, the video portion is filmed at their kitchen table.
When asked why they are continuing to produce duets together, they both agree that they want to bring hope to those who need it. Savanna said, “I want [viewers] to walk away with a little bit of hope. I want to give them some joy. There is a lot to be sad and scared about right now. But I want to be the good thing that helps create joy, because I feel like we need more of that right now.” Mat added, “I have heard that the only thing more contagious than a virus is hope. And so we are just trying to do our small little part in the world to spread a little bit of hope.”
What beautiful messages in song. Thanks to this Dad and daughter for such profound sounds of hope! A real blessing!
I need more thumbs! So I can put them up!
They are a beautiful Father-Daughter duet. I have so enjoyed viewing and listening to, their music. God bless them both.
I listened to you both in Qsld Aust. I was so enthralled by your beautiful voices in sync with each other. I truly believe that you are both Gods Angles spreading hope and Joy in these trialing times.
I don’t know who playing the piano but I guess it’s Mum, and find that also so uplifting. May Gods blessings be on your whole family.
So beautiful to hear both the voices of Mat and Savanna Shaw, your voices are soOooo… pristine clear, I could listen to your voices and the lovely chosen songs all day. I’m from Singapore.. Thank you for bringing hope to our luttle island Singapore.
They are amazing! I love to listen to them. They have touched the lives of so many people during these challenging time. Thank you, Mat and Savanna!
Thank you for sharing the light of Jesus Christ within. Blessings to you.
Your music made me cry with emotion. Simply beautiful. Life changing. It made me think about those close to me at this time. I gave just lost my mum. God bless you.
May peace & hope be with you Jim. Thinking & praying for you. Love is a bond that never ends. We’ll see our loved ones again, I know it.
I heard you both for the first time tonight and I have to say you guys are both amazing!!!! Keep on going!!! God has a great plan for you both!!!
Thank you for your beautiful song. It does inspire me to hope.
We can find “good” things to do with our unusual free time and Savanna is an inspiration to other young people. God Bless!
I have enjoyed these videos very much, such God given talent must be shared. Thank you.
What beautiful voices it is just lovely . Gives us hope.
It is just inspirational to listen to Savanna and her father sing The Prayer. I just wish they would record more duets for us.
Just type “Matt and Savannah Shaw duets” into your search bar and many many more of their songs will come up! God Bless-
I play this recording of the prayer every morning when I wake up and every night when im going to bed. It’s so beautiful. You are such a talent.
Thank you. Your uplifting song by video has been sent in the USA, Canada, Australia and England. They have sent messages how much they loved it. One friend said she was in tear because it was do beautiful at this difficult time for all of us.
The two of you bring such joy. How I envy the talent and relationship you share. You are a blessing.
Beautiful don’t let the greedy Hollywood bosses steal your daughters innocence sing for God you will be blessed beyond the millions they will offer you . You will loose your daughter to the greedy devils.
I would love to hear you two sing the song Hallelujah
Donna,
I couldn’t agree more. I thought of it right away. I thought K.D. Laing’s version was the best it could be but I think this dad/daughter team could equal or equal it.
Angelic.
Greetings from Australia. Thank you both so much. Love your voices. Well done Mat on Savannah, she is a joy. How about Hallelujah if you could find the time?
Your voices are AMZING! You both are truly gifted….I can’t stop watching the two you…..
Your voices are amazing…..you both are truly gifted! I can’t stop watching the two of you….
I am just blown away with the beauty of their music
Just finished listening to 8 songs and my heart is light and my faith refreshed
Thanks for sharing your joy and support for us all
How wonderful your voices are. And what a treasure to have these videos of keep forever. Enjoy your special talent!
I was just blown away with this father and daughter. What a tonic in this time of worry.
My husband and I will be married 60 years in a couple of months. I had to place him in our local veterans home because I could no longer take care of him. It has been difficult being alone. I listen to The Prayer at least once every day. It brings me joy and comfort during a scary time. Thank you for sharing your God given talent with this old lady and God bless both of you and your family.
At this time of such profound lifestyle changes your beautiful harmony and song of hope was so emotionally charged for me . Thank you . Keep up the good work.
Jim
I cant believe how beautiful both of your voices are!! I really think that you should sing the next Disney movie theme song, you are THAT good!! If I had any kind of authority to make it happen, I would, but, I don’t. Your church is so fortunate to have you to share your voices. God bless you, and keep your family safe and healthy during this scary time.
“WOW” from Hawaii–
“WOW” BEAUTIFUL— from hawaii
I want to say an ENORMOUS thank you to you Savanna and Mat for your recordings of these songs. They are wonderfully uplifting and help me to be centred in God’s Presence and surrounded by His Peace. The one of ‘The Prayer’ is definitely my most favourite I have ever heard of that song.
May I ask you if it would be alright to use your recording of this at my sister’s funeral. (Possibly also ‘I see the light’?)
She died last week from the Corona Virus. There will only be 8 people at the funeral so it’s more like a family gathering.
Beautiful family. Beautiful voices. Would like to meet and see the entire family. A family that sings together is such a wonderful thing. I enjoy the music so much. I wish I had a voice like that. You are sooo blessed.
Beautiful! Praise God for the gift of music & such fantastic voices. I am writing from Sri Lanka. God bless
I have seen several of their videos and absolutely love them! What a beautiful experience to see a father and his daughter together in this labor to bring the joy of music to so many families at home during these difficult time. Thank you for sharing your talents. You are both a shining light and an inspiration! Wish you continued success.
How do you sing and play so beautifully on the piano at the same time?
My buddy Andrew Glasmacher has a studio in Kaysville – [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/GlasshouseStudiosLLC/
Andrew was our sound engineer for calibrating home theaters years ago – has worked for the Harman Group (JBL, AKG, Crown, etc.) and Listen Technologies in Bluffdale and was most recently performed as the drummer in Strictly Ballroom until the show was postponed due to COVID-19.
I’ve watched his studio grow and progress over the years. He’s a great musician and sound engineer.
Absolutely beautiful. I could not stop watching and listening.
I came upon your music just now and ican honestly say you are amazing.
Your voicesblend perfectly….I cant stop listening to you.the voices of Angel’s…you both gave me goosebumps!
I hope you continue to sing and spread joy, even when things go back to normal.. I’m from the uk.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful music in very sad and dark times for the US. Your voices are inspiring and give hope to those of us who are older and who must stay isolated.
You are just brilliant together. I love all your songs. I can’t stand this headbanging music. Why did it take a virus to find you? I play your music several times a day.
I truly enjoyed these duets. You both have super talent. Thank you both for sharing during these trying times. May God bless you and your family. I am really impressed by the way you look at each other.
Beautiful songs, wonderful voices and uplifting messages. Have either father or daughter had vocal training?
Thank you!!
My son, Neal, just sent me the video of “Evermore’ along with the reason you produced it. My own father died at the age of 38 ( I was 10), the greatest loss of my life. I am so grateful he shared that with me, I will cherish it forever. I have watched it several times now, and cannot stop crying. Your voice is beyond beautiful, I thank you for sharing.
Y’all are a breath of fresh air. I saw y’all on Kelly Clarkson show and it was phenomenal. I hope y’all keep on singing.
You 2 are truly angels who brought me up today discovering your beautiful voices. May God Bless you and your family. Please keep singing. It’s beauty to my ears. I’ve shared with everyone I know.
Outstanding and a welcome in a needy world now. God bless the Shaws.
You need to contact David Foster who has found many professional singers such as Josh Groban and Celine Dion. Somehow get this video to him. The Prayer is your best one together, I believe. You both have such wonderful talents. I can watch you for hours. Words truly cannot describe how good you really are. Thanks for sharing your gifts to the nation during these depressing times.
I just can,t get enough of them….I love love the prayer and play it often…I love the sweet looks they give each other…something to hold on to during this very difficult time….I hope they continue to make more video,s….I will be their for them❤️
Oh how you have touched my heart and soul with your beautiful music. I was raised with my Mom playing for people to sing and always wonderful music in my home so I do appreciate your talents.
Thanks
Whow!!! You have both truly been blessed by our Heavenly Father with such talent. It looks like there is a recording studio in Kaysville, that would be great for you to record your songs. I live in Canada, you have definetly gone worldwide. “All I ask of you” is one of my favorite songs and so is Phantom of the Opera. Keep up the good work, not just now during the virus but into the future. May you continue to inspire the world with your talents. May Heavenly Father’s choicest blessings be yours.
So when are you boyh going on The Voice!!!
You two, together, lift up my heart, give me hope, patience and great joy.
You are the wonder and peace at the end of my day to listen to.
When you sing, each time, it feels like my heart will break from the beauty and profound love you express so wonderfully.
Matt and Savanna, you have been a great gift to me during this time of uncertainty.
Love and prayer are the certain things that will last and bring us together.
Much Love and Blessings.
You both are truly amazing, and it’s been a blessing for me to have been able to hear your beautiful voices. Keep singing and may Heavenly Father bless you and keep you safe during these trying times and into eternity!
Love watching keep it up stay safe
Beautiful!