Matthew Whitaker: The 16-Year-Old Pianist Who’s Being Called The Next Stevie Wonder | TODAY

TODAY launches a new series, Boys Changing the World, with a profile of Matthew Whitaker, a gifted 16-year-old pianist who is blind and is being called the next Stevie Wonder. “It’s an honor to be compared to him, but there’s really only one Stevie,” Matthew tells Savannah Guthrie.
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Matthew Whitaker: The 16-Year-Old Pianist Who’s Being Called The Next Stevie Wonder | TODAY

[@Stevenqpham]

His talking voice is so reminiscent of Stevie’s own talking voice, it’s astonishing.

[@lorddale2212]

The cellphone part TOOK ME OUT😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@CountrySingerWannabe]

Being blind means he doesn't have to worry about being blinded by everything he sees. Much respect and admiration for this kid.

[@thatlovelydancerIlao]

You said it! Much depth in those words

[@expatbiker6598]

You're assuming they can't feel the tension. Sight is overrated sometimes.

[@soniaharrison1016]

no distractions.

[@RockinTheDub]

*plays extremely intricate piece “Ya know, just a little something like that”

[@newthrash1221]

I’m looking for more of his stuff...can’t find it. ....

[@scooteredits3424]

I just met him today only a couple minutes ago! He Is so kind and genuine and i got a picture with him! I play piano too and he said to keep playing because it is the best thing in the world

[@laVena3378]

MATTHEW IS REALLY TALENTED AND A GIFT FROM GOD, HOW BLESSED !

[@hendrixkalusokoma7105]

The World doesnt deserve you, Mathew!!! You are truly a gift!! Such an amazing soul and an unbelievable talent!!

[@cedricro.9909]

This whole family has been blessed by God. I pray they will continue loving each other. It is a privilege and an honor to listen and watch this young brother.

[@estlhm805]

Need someone like him. He may be blind but he is a light in this life!

[@khanyisilekubheka5967]

He plays like Stevie/ Ray Charles 💞🙏

[@AndyLibra]

Savannah Guthrie. that was a beautiful interview. So sincere and emotional. You're the personification of journalism. I was so happy watching how happy you were while interviewing him and the joy. Then the big surprise watching you play piano with him. You made his day and mine and so many others I'm sure

[@robsargent8611]

he seams a wonderful young man with great parents , that makes a big difference.

[@greasedog]

The ability to “imagine” the world rather than “seeing” the world is his gift.

[@angelasmith7134]

He stole my heart

[@SingerUnkn0wn]

me too, what an amazing kid!!!

[@j.collier9150]

Yes! Same here ❤️

[@jacksonatwork5942]

He is blessed with a wonderful gift, but more importantly, the support of a loving and grounded family. You can see the love they have for one another. That ensures he will share his gift with the world and not get overwhelmed by the sharks in the music industry.

[@Breakbeats92.5]

"The only disability in life is a bad attitude.” - Scott Hamilton.

[@sisi11122]

You bet!

[@fjp9]

don’t tell that to all of the disabled people. you could be called insensitive, etching

[@zacharyjohnson6453]

Stevie was literally around the same age as him when he started to rise into fame.

[@cupidsiza]

Actually

[@stedebassett1523]

Actually Stevie was 8yrs old leading a choir with a Hammond Organ. He is very much like Stevie...he opened for him. Very talented young man. Extremely talented

[@nikki7128]

Alot like Stevie story. Aww he is a blessing and born with a incredible gift of music

[@artsylovelylady]

He sounds like Stevie Wonder when he talks! He's amazing!

[@2jcward]

It must correlate to being blind.

[@abbieprice3430]

I think Mathew and Stevie should do a duet together one day! They may not be able to see out of their eyes, but they still have special musical gifts that allow them to see things with their hearts!

[@queenceecee216]

I think he should play a young Stevie Wonder in a biopic

[@deondiggs61]

CeeCee Williams # Yes he should. He's the only convincing person I can think of.

[@zeruiahzeechize2068]

yessss

[@zacharyjohnson6453]

My thoughts exactly 🤘

[@ashiashelton5973]

noweapons Williams See

[@zacharyjohnson6453]

He's the perfect choice because he even has Stevie's witt and sense of humor 🙂

[@Sonya-gf7bh]

Ladies and gentlemen, now that’s the REAL musician🙏❤️

[@kamrynmcshan5029]

Wow 😍. The generation of music is saved 😍.

[@cupidsiza]

There's hope!

[@FreedomFighter2112]

I've been smiling and crying at the same time while watching this

[@TheMastaPlan]

i fit in my fathers hand as well....3 months early....what a beautiful family

[@raoiii8352]

This guy is apparently more than just a piano prodigy, seems like he can pick up any instrument

[@KarenBriggs]

I love his acknowledgement of Stevie Wonder! He makes me smile with goose bumps!

[@notmebutyou8350]

Yes. When he said, There's only one Stevie Wonder," that was really cool giving the Wonderman his props.

[@kofoblue3172]

Phenomenal. The world needs him.

[@sabrinadoctor9653]

Awesome Performance 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Jesus , has “ Blessed Matt ❤️

[@charliehaze9952]

Been a long,long time since the world had a new musical genius. Many decades. But we've got one in this kid. Absolutely amazing.

[@CountrySingerWannabe]

Yep and most of the geniuses we have had in recent decades have been guitar players. I play the guitar and love the guitar but a genius on the piano hasn't come along in a very long time.

[@antonsederquist2131]

Man, I'm glad I got to know him at EE a couple of years back.

[@carverhighalumni]

Beautiful humbling beginnings are the best lessons of life... I love your work Matthew, you bring sunlight into the world again. Miracles happen beyond the sight of our eyes. We see brand new mercies day to day. You'll find in life many times that life is simply better on "The Sunny Side of The Street". Thanks for the 🌞 sunshine. 🎙 I'm a new fan in Columbus Georgia wishing you all the best. May God bless you richly on your music journey. You are #gifted talent to the world! A Singer's life...

[@melaninking199]

HUGE Respect for this guy. He doesn't see himself as the next Stevie cause he knows there's only one Stevie!!! God sure did bless this man!!!

[@TerrellAmari]

He’s the next Matthew Whitaker

[@SinaFallahMusic]

God bless this young man and his parents. Well done!

[@kincamell2]

Much Gratitude

[@MAAZAD]

My goodness I’m crying like a baby!! 😭

[@tamjns09]

This made me smile 😊

[@dennispearson9287]

OH MY GOD !!!...THIS IS TOTALLY INCREDIBLE !!! I NEVER DREAMED I WOULD EVER SEE ANYONE WHO WOULD EVER COME REMOTELY CLOSE TO STEVIE WONDERS TALENTS !!! I AM TOTALLY STUNNED !!!....IT IS AS IF GOD SAID ( To Himself ) SO THEY DON'T THINK I CAN CREATE ANOTHER STEVIE WONDER !!!...WELL I'LL JUST HAVE TO SHOW-EM !!!!!.....

[@thatlovelydancerIlao]

So so so very proud of him and he is amazing. What a real joy he must be to be around. Breath of fresh air

[@artisansworks]

I’m so old I saw Stevie when he was little Stevie Wonder, and he’s just as exciting. But no voice!

[@camillewinfield-newton2418]

It’s really amazing when the same person that you meet on the TV screen is the same person that you meet any other day. And every conversation I’ve had with this young man even all these years later, he is still so sweet and down to earth. Everybody is his family and he knows no strangers. He’s really funny, his love for music is so phenomenal and evident. And I’m happy to call him my friend.

[@drmbj]

Beautiful!!! Truly a blessing from God!!!

[@inPURGAT0RY]

beautiful story, god bless you matthew

[@theuniversalconnection3510]

I was most privileged to have met Matthew Whitaker. This man is no ordinary human being. So talented. He is so humble. A true inspiration to me. Being visually impaired, I was most impressed with his great musical ability. He doesn’t allow his blindness to stand in his way of showcasing his exceptional ability. Blessings always my dear.

[@karinanabila7935]

God bless Matthew!❤❤❤❤❤ Huge love for master, i Saw him for the first time at Java jazz and ya oh my God he's really amazing he's one of the master for playing piano in this world. In Java jazz he cantik play 2 piano at once. So cool !!

[@drumrboi72]

Between his smile and piano playing, Matt can make ANY1's day!😁👍🎹💯

[@antonyogwo8948]

I love that music at the duo part there

[@laymankilgo3760]

Absolutely Awesome! What an incredible gift to the world.

[@josephpearson7164]

God made only one Stevie Wonder. God made only one Matthew Whitaker.

[@utulangi6078]

Matthew is a gift to the world. My graditude to his parents for taking care of him.

[@Albert-vn6bn]

One in a million

[@kidsstudynow6901]

I want to cry........what a blessing from God!

[@aGwEENapple]

Very precious 💕

[@Thinksmart942]

3:29-3:41 is life! Very talented.

[@macman3175]

Hallelujah!! Glory to God!!

[@rasheawhite9356]

Hi! Yes! Beautiful!☺ Honor to TODAY & Matthew Whitaker! Keep GOING!🤗👏🎹

[@authenticnairobi]

blessed

[@andrewwright6893]

Incredible playing and a charming young man. Superb nice one

[@brendalilianajerez3488]

Pure talent!!

[@auntiewina27]

WOW!!! Bless his beautiful heart! I never expected another Stevie Wonder musical genius but alas!… here he is!🎉

[@micksoden7064]

Wonderful young man,and gorgeous parents.

[@fjp9]

pure talent.

[@sayladytea]

Love this story. More please.

[@remuspierre8965]

Beautiful performance

[@eggloria4371]

SO amazing!!!!!!!! kid is so talented and accomplished

[@herbertstokes2046]

All praise to his Parents as well. Father and mother in the house

[@randyjohnson8366]

a amazing blessing

[@annachepikovaconcertpianis791]

How inspiring.. Bravo!👏👏🎹

[@crazeear]

How could anyone dislike this.? Just totally disrespectful. This kid is doing something amazing and has been through alot of pain, and he is over coming what he had to endure and doing something positive.

[@Azula04.EditVIDEOS]

Beautiful just beautiful

[@sigma_z]

Matthew is a gift to the world 🤗

[@jnelson508]

Wow! What formidable talent.

[@oneofakind6157]

This kid is amazing 👏

[@alsmith3418]

Really hoping to hear him in Caroga tomorrow!

[@VinnieLJ]

Amen to his talents

[@andrewcampbell1129]

Much respect!!!

[@dinajoliemarie]

Wow! Extraordinary indeed!

[@paulcombs-bomuse6172]

Live long and prosper, Mathew.

[@elaynek4592]

What a JOY!!! 💞

[@carlitoz450]

Wow.... really wow !

[@MrJohnshopkins53]

Mathew is gifted, but like he said, "there is only one Stevie Wonder, and there will never be another in our lifetime. This kid will do so much for music .. 40 years later "Songs in the key of life" is still rocking the world it was the first song Matt played.. can Matt sing? I was waiting to hear that part of the comparison of the two.. Stevie's voice was unmistakable as well as his musicianship.. I love this kid because think of all the kids some say "well his quality of life will be far less than desirable , so abort the baby" or it's not really a baby till three months, he weighed less than a pound.. my point "ALL LIFE IS PRECIOUS IN GOD'S SIGHT" keep the baby, throw out the trash..

[@danthomas6587]

Amazing

[@markostendorf1122]

Thanks .... appreciate the introduction

[@sensimilia1005]

a genious is born

[@ariefraiser140]

To know how to play blind without reading any music notes is already amazing to me.

[@wayneblake544]

WOW!!! PLAY ON YOUNG MAN, PLAY ON!!! GOD BLESS YOU MOTHER AND FATHER!!! GOD HAS GIVEN YOU A SPECIAL JEWEL!!!😇😇😇

[@virgilrw]

Matthew Whitaker! ☆☆☆☆☆

[@sylviamattar3017]

Godspeed young man💪😎

[@tashaw.950]

Wow God is good!! God bless you 🙏

[@derrickcouts]

Awesome

[@GDavis-uy1gg]

A phenomenal talent ! GD

[@Black_Jesus3005]

Matt is legendary.

[@bjbaldwin4315]

I would love to hear him play smooth criminal

[@Lynntheintuitive]

Walking in the line of the greats and becoming the G.O.A.T. himself. You are very inspiring Matthew.

[@BengiAndSnuggles]

BLESSED, PRAISE GOD JEHOVAH

[@yousefbhoyroo6960]

Raw Talent

[@jamesrodgers2255]

Wow the similarities to Stevie Wonder are incredible

[@jackyjess7273]

its like stevie and ray charles all over again, i love it

[@jessebrownjr9030]

God gifted