During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, many people are finding creative ways for themselves and their families to occupy the time that they have together at home. Some people, like Mat and Savanna Shaw of Kaysville, Utah, have teamed up to share their God-given talents in hopes of bringing a ray of sunshine into the lives of others.
It all started with the hopeful song made popular by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli called “The Prayer.” Mat Shaw was working in his backyard when 15-year-old Savanna asked if he would sing the song with her.
Before the pandemic outbreak, Savanna had joined a new youth choir led by choir director Kelly DeHaan at the Hale Center Theatre and was just starting to make friends and feel confident about being in the spotlight. To stay in touch with her choir friends during the pandemic, she created an Instagram account, which would be her introduction to the world of social media. For her first post, she was going to sing “The Prayer” but she did not want to sing it alone.
In late February 2020, the duo recorded and posted their rendition of “The Prayer.” A few days later, after posting the video to Facebook, Mat sent a screenshot to Savanna, with the number of views – 2,700 – circled. He told her, “You’re not going to believe this. Sixty people have shared the video!” As the days went by, the numbers kept rising.
They decided to keep recording songs and making music videos and created a YouTube channel, with “The Prayer” being the first music video on the channel. They posted the video on 6 March 2020, and it has since gone viral with over 7.2 million views on YouTube alone as of late July 2020.
Since recording “The Prayer,” Mat and Savanna have performed several duets. They have recorded everything from Beauty and the Beast to The Phantom of the Opera to The Greatest Showman. A handful of the duets have been viewed more than 1 million times. The duo has also recorded and released several solo covers like Savanna singing “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” from The Phantom of the Opera, and Mat singing Evermore by Josh Groban.
Their rapid success gives a whole new meaning to the song “A Million Dreams,” which they also recorded as a duet and released on their YouTube channel on 8 March 2020. That video has garnered more than 5.6 million views.
And their popularity continues. With 21 featured songs on their YouTube channel and more than 494,000 subscribers, Mat and Savanna Shaw have caught national attention from outlets like Good Morning America, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and Inside Edition.Their names even appear in Google searches and they were recently interviewed on a morning news show in Japan.
Their latest release is a cover of timeless song, “Let It Be,” written by Paul McCartney of the renowned Beatles. The music video was posted on their YouTube channel on Sunday, 26 July 2020, and has already been viewed more than 231,000 times.
Their music is also available now on iTunes, and they have even caught the attention of a prominent Broadway manager. They both refer to their unexpected rise to fame as “an amazing, wild ride.” Matt said, “The one thing more contagious than a virus is hope and so we’re just doing our small part in the world to spread some hope.”
During a recent Zoom call with the Deseret News, Savanna said, “I really genuinely only thought that my friends and my family were going to see it. And I think if I would have known how big it would get, I probably would have been a lot more nervous. I’m kind of glad I didn’t know that.”
Never realizing that their videos would go viral, the shy singer in a local choir who was trying to build her confidence, and the busy father of four (Savanna is the oldest) who had put music on the back burner, had an unexpected rise to fame. Mat told the Deseret News, “Savanna’s always been a little bit shy with her music. It was surprising because after having posted these songs, some of her good friends didn’t even know that she could sing like that.”
He continued, “You wonder how many talented, undiscovered people there are out there that just need somebody to be their support and encouragement and help them be brave enough to just put themselves out there. And you wonder how many wonderful messages we’re missing out on just because people are worried that maybe they won’t be accepted, or they’re too shy or they’re worried about criticism. . . .To break out of that shell and just say, ‘Here I am. This is my voice, take it or leave it,’ … it’s absolutely amazing to be able to have the courage to do that. It was scary, but we are extremely glad that (Savanna) decided to do that. And we’re so proud of her.”
Mat Shaw always loved singing. As a child, he aspired to record music and to someday be on Broadway. Those dreams soon changed when at the young age of 14 his father passed away. After his father’s death, the family was faced with financial hardships and moved from Los Angeles, California to Kaysville, Utah.
In high school, he kept his passion alive by singing in choirs and participating in musical theater. He even attended Weber State University on a vocal performance scholarship, although his major was accounting. After graduation, music fell to the wayside as he began to focus more on his real estate business and his growing family.
Mat says, “Performing with my daughter is like beyond my wildest dreams.” Not being tech savvy, it took him and Savanna hours to upload their first YouTube video. The singing duo also has never stepped foot in a studio. They make their recordings in a closet, or what Mat calls his “quarantine recording studio,” which is comprised of a little mic, propped up by a pair of pajama pants that plugs into an iPad. Mat and Savanna practice and record themselves singing in this closet space, away from the daily chaos of home learning. Then, at the kitchen table, they film a video singing along to that recording.
On many of their YouTube videos, thousands of people — including nurses and people who have lost loved ones — have left comments of gratitude. Many have said the music is helping them get through an otherwise dark time.
Wife and mother, Brooke Shaw, said, “I love it because before all of this they never sang together and so this is new and just really special for our family.” And, 6-year-old Pennie Jean Shaw said listening to her sister and father singing helps her fall asleep. Mat Shaw added, “Never in a million dreams would we have ever thought that our music would have this kind of impact. That has been the best part.”
So, what has the daddy-daughter singing duo been up to lately? In a recent Q&A video in which the entire family appeared, Mat and Savanna announced that they have been busy in a professional recording studio working on their debut album. A release date has not been given yet. However, they did reveal that many of the song selections have come from fan recommendations and there is an original tune in the works.
You can follow Matt and Savanna Shaw on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. And, you can support them and help them to make more wonderful music that everyone wants to hear by joining TheShawFam on Patreon. They currently have 1,980 Patrons.
The father-daughter duo have just completed recording their debut 13-track album, which is due to be released in late October 2020, and they have also recorded a Christmas EP. Their latest music video release, “You’ve Got A Friend In Me,” from Disney’s Toy Story was released on their YouTube channel on Sunday, 27 September 2020. Fans can send messages and gifts to Mat and Savanna at the following address: 447N 300W Suite #2; Kaysville, Utah 84037.
Hi you two… wow, you guys are amazing.. I love that you are both so kind and humble and I love when you both look at each other with such love. I spent all evening watching all your videos.. you guys are amazing…
Thankyou for sharing your life with all of us…
FLO, from Ontario, Canada!,
Such an Inspiration … In these troubled times… GOD Bless your beautiful family.
What a lovely family, so natural and the love for one another shows. Truly great to see.
all i can say to Flo Zink’s post is a heartfelt “Amen!”
I am an 88 year old living alone in an apartment and have been following you since you started entertaining us. You were so wonderful during the COVID-19. Your voices are so professional and just want to say l love watching you perform. I imagine this must be like a dream, probably something you never thought would happen. Good luck to you Mat and Savanna and your lovely family. I am a resident in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
I absolutely love Pie Jesu. I’ve listened to it over and over the last couple of days since I first heard it
Love listening to your music! Your voices blend beautifully! I love the song “A Million Dreams” and of course “The Prayer”. I play a lot of your songs often and it is very uplifting! Keep up the good work Savanna! I hope to see a cd out soon! Inspiring describes you both best!
I have and will always enjoy listening to your songs. Your voices blend so perfectly, I will never tire of listening and watching your videos. Your videos during this time in our nation bring peace & hope that one day will be whole again. I pray that you both will keep singing, you have a gift that I hope you will always share. Thank you!
I would love to play your recording of “The Prayer” during our church service but think I need your permission. Will you please grant that permission? The song brings such hope. Thank you!
“The Prayer” absolutely makes me melt! Keep your songs coming!!
Just amazing. I listen everyday mostly in the evening. I hope you never stop singing together. Thank you.
I listen to your songs before I go to sleep almost every night…the music brings up memories of times past and hope for future days. I thank you for that comfort. And, to think I’m 77 years young…
I dreamed one night that I was listening to the most beautiful music I had ever heard. I think my dream has come true. The world needs to hear you!
You 2 are wonderful——thanks
Is there a CD of you singing with you father?
Brenda,
Mat and Savanna announced in a recent Q&A video that they are currently working on an album. I think we are all anticipating that. I know I am.
Keith Lionel Brown
Lead Writer, Manager for LatterdaySaintMusicians.com
I have watched this video “you are the Reason” at least 15 times that is how much I enjoyed it. thank you Shaw family for giving us a place to enjoy ourselves listening to lovely music. It is a wonderful escape from the uncertainties of day to day living during the covid 19. Your music is my soup for the soul…
I bet you both could win America’s Got Talent.. I have shared some of ur videos with friends and my kids. We all agree your both fantastic.
Your voices are like angels! I love to listen to you it makes me feel so calm and safe.
You and your family are providing wonderful encouragement during these times which are uncertain on so many levels. I am very grateful for you and wish you well!
BTW, You mentioned “ShawFam” and a way to support you, but I can’t find how to do this. Is this still being worked out?
Chuck,
TheShawFam is actually powered by Patreon. You can support their music on Patreon by becoming one of their patrons with a small monthly pledge. Here is a link – https://www.patreon.com/. Go there and search for Mat and Savanna.
– I find it such a gift to us, your listeners, that your voices compliment each other.. not to mention your choices of harmony based on those tonalities. Thank you so much!
Hi. Im an 84 yr old great gramma. I just spent the whole afternoon with you. I first heard you last March. I just knew you were going to go places. You and your whole family are a gift from God and I am sooo proud of you. I have a musical ,vocal, background. I just heard again, Oh Holy Night with the Children’s Choir. It brought me to tears. I mean TEARS. Being a widow alone and in quarantine you have brought myself and many like me much enjoyment. I havent been out since August except once to get an injection in my knee. Take care, be safe and God bless . Much LOVE. THATS SOME MAMA AND FAMILY YOU HAVE.
I truly love listening to you sing together. I also love the obvious beautiful relationship th at shines through. I look forward to many more moments with both of you.
Your music has open the hearts of so many people. More and more of them are beginning to share their talents with others. Thankyou for bringing Hope and joy into my life as well as world wide.
Can’t wait till your cd comes out.
you both have a special gift. God has certainly blessed you both.
How wonderful to hear you sing. I can understand every word and
you have perfect pitch and not many people have this talent. All the
music seems to come from the heart I listen to your concerts all the time every chance I get and it always makes me feel happy and blessed. Keep on singing and may you continue to bless the world.
Perfect pitch for both of you. I love listening to your singing. It takes me away from the stress of 2020. Such a beautiful family. I look forward to listening to many more songs. God bless you all.
I was so thrilled to find that my song suggestion of “What the World Needs Now” will be on your new album! You both sing it so beautifully! Can’t wait to receive my copy of your album! Much love and success to you both!
Yeh, the album is out and I’ve downloaded it and listened to all the tracks. So lovely to have 13 songs in one place but it would be great to have another album of all the songs that Mat and Savanna have recorded for YouTube. Great voices, lovely harmonies and so wonderful to have a good news story in these difficult times. Wishing the Shaw family every happiness and success for the future. Love from the UK xx
Totally agree! We want a CD with your YouTube collection! Please!
It is Halloween October 31 here in Springfield, Missouri, USA. Having read how you started makes my heart flutter. My father was nothing like Mat. He didn’t participate with me for his various reasons. Looking at your relationship and to see how you love each other is wonderful. Then listening to your music, the harmony is outstanding, and each of you have have unbelievable voices. Thank you for bringing peace and hope during this very difficult time.
I am SO AWED. Both your voices are beautiful. Mat, you definitely could have had a professional career. ( Savannah, yours may be in the future!). Not being a religious person, I really appreciate your version of the secular songs. They make me want to cry AND applaud!
Keep the music coming! So inspiring and it gives me HOPE during this pandemic.
Thank you !
Your music has inspired me and given me strength to endure my lonely current lifestyle. My husband of 61years was called to his heavenly home in July. He, too, loved music all his life, as so did I. He was the manager of the KC Men’s Chorus for many years and he and I did many performances together. I miss him so much. And then I ran across the two of you on Facebook, and now the one rendition you do of “Hallelujah” is one of my very favorites. God Bless you and your family in this wonderful music venture. Peace and Thanks. Alverda Simcoe
with you.
From the moment I saw & heard their beautiful voices …. I was a happy fan…. it came around the time my husband passed away…. he was the love of my life!!!! I met him as 15 years of age!!
I lost my husband and two sons. After listening to you sing, I purchased your CD. When I play it, I can close my eyes and just hear your voices. It gives me peace for a while. God bless you both.
I just happened to come upon you two as I was watching Facebook videos and part of them came from you tube and there you were and I have listened to everything you have out and I want to tell both of you Thank You So Very Much as I’m disabled and 45 and I’m in a Nursing Home Due to Medical Issues Right Now and This has uplifted me a lot tonight in my hospital bed and has brightened my night but also this COVID 19 Time and I will continue to listen to you over and over! Again Thank You!
Wow! Your harmony and perfect pitch are so heart warming! I bought the CD and LOVE every song on it! What wonderful gifts from God you have been given and how blessed we all are that you are sharing that talent with us! Please keep singing togther and thank you for giving us such hope in these dark days. Many blessings to your family!
Thanks for your music!!! Your voices are Amazing! I would love to hear you do some hymns. Some of my favorites are:
It Is Well with My Soul – so needed right now – Do you know the history of that song?
How Great Thou Art
Abide With Me
Great is Thy Faithfulness
In the Bulb There Is a Flower (Hymn of Promise)
Many blessings to you and your family.
Peace, Elizabeth
I’m do glad I came across your music and im greatful. I have shared your music with my friends and family and I hope that they enjoy it as much as I do. I to love seeing the love between Dad and Daughter! I lost my Dad a few years ago and they have helped me through it. Thank you so much for coming into my life!
I have been following you since your first recording. Your music is spectacular – not only because of your skill, but because of your authenticity. Throughout the pandemic, I have waited impatiently for your next song. I have both of your albums. Today I saw your video about Eric and his diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder and the wonderful gift of the Lego Deathstar. The world is full of great people that see the needs of others. I personally believe that it is the media that would like for us to think otherwise. It is clear to see that Eric has many strengths. I am a SLP and have a private practice in the greater Atlanta area. I have served the autism community and those with social cognitive deficits for 20+ years. I know that the journey can feel long when someone has an autism diagnosis, but it is also rich with blessings. If there is ever anything I can do to help you please let me know. I would count it a privilege to give back to your family and would be thrilled to help you at no cost to you. My faith calls me to serve others and I always set aside some space in my schedule to help others that I do not charge for their services. May you be blessed by your willingness to share how wonderful Eric is, that there are real challenges and how much your family loves him. Thank you with all my heart for your music and your transparency! If you are ever in the Atlanta area I promise I will be there if at all possible!
To the moderator – you do not have to publish my message abover. I am merely trying to get the message to the Shaw family. I would appreciate you sharing it with them!
Hello Mat and Savanna, Wow! Look at how far you have come in a year. I have been following you for a little over a year now when you were recording out of your closet, then a room in your house with a view to the outside from what appeared to be a living or dining room window. Anyway, when I first heard you two sing, I was hooked. I knew your talent was going to take you to the moon and you would soon become stars. I have purchased all of your amazing albums and will continue to listen to you for years to come as it is so beautiful and calming to my spirit. God be with you always on this wild, crazy, and exciting journey. I love you and Savanna as a team and individually as you both have been truly blessed by our Heavenly Father with angelic voices on high. Your first concert was amazing and you left me wanting more.
We absolutely loved your concert at the Scera Shell.
You are spreading lots of love and joy.
Thank you for sharing beautiful uplifting talent. I loved Amazing Grace with the gospel singers, and all of your songs, especially The Prayer.
Thanks for everything you are doing.
Merialice and Randy Stoddard
When I am sad having lost my mum Your singing is so inspirational. Thank you so very much ( Lynne nurse England) xxx❤️