Every father knows that having a child can magically make you feel young again. One of the other wonderful benefits of spending time with our children is that we earn a special license: we can be silly and play freely without any worries of someone telling us to grow up and act like an adult.
In our view, this renewed confidence is something that dads learn from their children. Little kids are just not self-conscious about happily dancing and singing. Children don’t stop to worry what others might think or how they could be judged. It’s that whole “pure of heart” thing.
We’re delighted to share these seven inspiring videos of fathers and daughters who sing duets beautifully and fearlessly. These videos made us feel happy and full of smiles. We’re certain you’ll feel the same way!
“Let it Go” by Idina Menzel
Billy Rhys and his three-year-old daughter Blakely sing together regularly while in the car. Their cover of “Let It Go” from Disney’s animated feature “Frozen” went viral during the summer of 2014 when it was shared and viewed more than 15 million times. The two really feed off of each other as the song progresses—improvising and laughing all the way.
“Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Jorge and Alexa Narvaez posted their first duet video to YouTube in December 2010. Millions of views later, they were invited to appear on shows hosted by celebrities including Ryan Secrest and Ellen DeGeneres. Time.com wrote that performances like theirs is “why the internet was invented.”
Jorge and his family continued to record and share new duets with Alexa and her baby sister Eliana. In 2012, Jorge and Alexa auditioned in Los Angeles and appeared on Season 7 of “America’s Got Talent.” They also founded “Reality Changers” to help children of first generation families pursue life-changing experiences through a college education.
Jorge and Alexa’s efforts show that simple duets and wonderful music can both inspire audiences and generate positive impacts that change the world.
“Tonight You Belong to Me” by Billy Rose and Lee David
Benjamin J. Ames and his four-year-old daughter Adelaide watched an amazing fireworks show—and then it was time for bed. But, Adelaide thought she could still hear fireworks outside. Benjamin decided to improvise and create a distraction (like any good dad would) and began to sing to his daughter. The performance was captured by their webcam and while Adelaide joins in on the song, she also stops regularly to explain to her dad that the other sounds they can still hear are fireworks going off. Simply adorable!
The dailydot.com reported on Benjamin and Adelaide’s video and provided some additional information about what an amazing dad Adelaide has: “Her father, Benjamin Ames, is a 32-year-old quantum physicist, but when he’s not researching particles in Austria or winning awards for being able to explain science to kids, he sings and plays a variety of instruments. Last year he earned the top prize at Alan Alda’s Flame Challenge for [an] educational video he animated, edited, narrated, and performed the music to.”
“Mahna Mahna” by Piero Umiliani
Mostafa Shocks demonstrates how the best dads in the world can also be amazing back-up singers. Mostafa delights his daughter as they sing the “Mahna Mahna” song made famous by Jim Henson on the Muppet Show.
“Love is an Open Door” by Kristen Bell and Santino Fontana
Alex Stephenson shows how a good dad can still deliver an amazing performance—even if he isn’t quite ready to sing. Alex and his daughter Jade shared this adorable lip-dub of “Love is an Open Door” from Disney’s “Frozen.” We think you’ll agree that Jade steals the show!
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
Bee Ry and his baby girl love singing this 1971 hit by John Denver. Bee sets up each verse for his daughter to finish off. It’s amazing that she is so young and still knows all the lyrics! Her smile and delightful performance will make you grin ear-to-ear!
Taylor Swift Compilation
Bryan Chan, a former member of the group LMNT, was delighted when Taylor Swift covered LMNT’s hit song “Juliet” during a performance in 2009. Bryan had no idea that years later his four-year-old daughter would become a huge Taylor Swift fan.
Bryan and his daughter sing Taylor Swift songs together during every car ride. They even sing Taylor’s songs while Bryan’s daughter happily applies paint to her dad’s face (so he looks as pretty as her). What a great dad!
Bryan says, “Thanks Taylor, you give my daughter a reason to sing…and that’s all a day ever wants to hear.”
