Remember the heartwarming Les Misérables video that went viral? It was a Mother’s Day gift from the talented LeBaron children to their mom, Denise Keaton LeBaron (BA ’96). Music is truly the heart of this family, starting from dad, Gerald J. LeBaron (BS ’83), whose piano skills first charmed Denise at BYU, to daughter-in-law Angela Garrett LeBaron (MM ’14), a master’s in music performance with Metropolitan Opera auditions under her belt. This isn’t just a family that sings; it’s a family whose lives are harmonized by music.
To understand more about this incredible family, we spoke with LeBaron daughter Heidi LeBaron Garn, who shared insights into their musical journey and family life.
How a Family Becomes a Symphony
“It started with my sister,” Heidi recounts, explaining the origins of the Lebaron Family’s musical tradition. “She was around two and began singing perfectly on pitch, which is quite rare for toddlers. Recognizing this gift, my parents enrolled her and her older siblings in singing programs, and they loved it. As our family grew, singing just became our way of life. Dad would play the piano, and by the time I came along, it was already an established family trait. I honestly can’t remember a time when the LeBaron family wasn’t singing.”
Image alt text: Gerald and Denise LeBaron, parents of the singing LeBaron family, share a musical moment at their home piano, showcasing their lifelong passion for music.
Marrying into the Melody: Is Singing a Requirement?
When asked if potential spouses need to be singers to join the LeBaron family, Heidi laughs, “No, definitely not a requirement!” She adds, “My husband sings, but he’s not a professional performer. My brothers joke that while it’s not mandatory, it certainly boosts your attractiveness!” She fondly remembers, “My husband and I actually sang a duet at our wedding. It jokingly felt like his audition to join the family. He was definitely nervous, but he did great and joined right into our family harmony.”
BYU Romance: A Serenade of судьба
The LeBaron parents’ meeting story is as charming as their family’s music. “They were both students at BYU,” Heidi shares, “and Mom heard Dad playing the piano in her dorm hall. Drawn by the music, she found him playing. They bonded over math homework, and as they say, the rest is history. It truly was BYU magic!”
Image alt text: The talented LeBaron family members gather around their piano, passionately singing together during a typical family get-together, highlighting their strong musical bond.
Family Gatherings: Where Every Meeting is a Musical
Is spontaneous singing a regular feature at LeBaron family get-togethers? Absolutely. “Even before the viral video, singing was a staple when we got together,” Heidi explains. “We’d have dinner, catch up, and then gather around the piano for a singalong. We especially love Broadway tunes, which are so much fun to sing with live piano accompaniment. Our dad playing the piano is really the anchor of our musical family. Coming home means family, Dad at the piano, and singing our hearts out.”
From Family Fun to Internet Fame
The viral sensation took the LeBarons completely by surprise. Heidi describes their initial disbelief: “At first, I was stunned when the video reached 4,000 views in a single day – that felt like a huge number to us! Then, overnight, it jumped to 16,000, and it just kept growing exponentially. Within days, we were in the hundreds of thousands, then millions, and suddenly Good Morning America and the Today Show were calling. It was surreal and overwhelming. I was amazed at how composed my brothers were, because I was a nervous wreck thinking, ‘Everyone is watching us!’ But they handled everything, answering calls, and it all just unfolded so naturally.”
Vocal Harmony: Every Part Covered
The LeBaron family’s vocal range is as impressive as their harmony. “We’ve got all the voice parts covered,” Heidi confirms. “My brothers are mostly baritones and basses, while the girls are mostly sopranos, but we can really cover any part needed. When Angela joined the family about eight years ago, she brought incredible vocal training and expertise. She naturally took the soprano parts, which was a perfect addition to our family blend.”
Internet Sensations: Spreading Joy Through Music
How does it feel to be internet sensations? “We are just so happy to share our music,” Heidi expresses. “It’s been truly amazing to witness the positive impact it’s had on so many people. Seeing how our music resonates and uplifts others has been the most rewarding part of this whole experience for the LeBaron family.”
Experience the LeBaron family’s enchanting arrangement of “Love At Home” in their 360-degree video. Click and drag to explore their living room as they perform.
