A blind 16-year-old boy with an incredible talent for the piano is being hailed by some as the new Stevie Wonder.
Matthew Whitaker, from Hackensack, New Jersey, was born without sight, but from a very young age was drawn to the keyboard.
The young instrumentalist was featured on the Today show as a part of the program’s Boys Changing the World series, where he explained to Savannah Guthrie how he taught himself to play from the age of just three.
Prodigy: Matthew Whitaker, 16, from Hackensack, New Jersey, has been compared to Stevie Wonder after proving himself an incredible pianist
Meeting a hero: Matthew’s abilities have seen him compared to the Motown legend, who he even had the chance to open for
Getting attention: Matthew was featured on the Today show as a part of the program’s Boys Changing the World series
Soon enough, he was tinkling the ivories in front of enraptured audiences who couldn’t believe the pure talent pouring out of such a young man.
As a nine-year-old he won amateur night at the Apollo, which proved to be his big break.
At age 13 he became the youngest artist to be endorsed by Hammond, later also gained an endorsement by Yamaha and at 15 released his debut album Outta the Box to critical acclaim.
While the piano and organ are his main instruments, Matthew has also displayed impressive skills on the drums.
Big moment: When he was just nine years old, Matthew stormed to victory at amateur night at the Apollo
Close call: Matthew was only one pound and eleven ounces when he was born and doctors told his parents he had a less than 50 per cent chance of living
Making the rounds: He has played concerts all over the world and recently released his debut album, Outta the Box
‘I always feel the music when I’m playing. And I always love inspiring people and making the audience feel good when I’m performing. It just feels really amazing,’ he explained to Today.
His abilities have led many to compare Matthew to Stevie Wonder, and he’s even had the chance to open for the hitmaker.
‘There’s really only one Stevie! I mean, it’s an honor to be compared to him, but there is only one Stevie,’ said Matt, showing off his love for the Motown star by plucking out the chords of I Wish on the piano.
But it all came after a rocky start in the world, as Matthew was born premature, weighing just one pound and eleven ounces.
Well-rounded: In addition to playing the piano and organ, Matthew also has talent on the drums
‘I remember holding him in the palm of my hand and I remember the doctors telling us: “There is less than a 50 per cent chance your son is going to make it,”‘ Matthew’s father Moses explained.
‘So, when I see Matt play, I always go back to that day. And I see the joy in him. I see the joy in the folks that are watching him. ‘
Moses also praised his son’s ever-positive attitude, revealing that ‘he believes that everybody walks around with a smile on their face.’