He was born to a Lutheran minister, the Rev. Frederick J. Weertz (1891–1980) and a music teacher, Dorothea Bang Weertz (1895–1985), in Omaha, Nebraska. The family moved to Des Moines, Iowa, before his first birthday. He first played the piano at age three. In high school he became interested in boxing, mainly at his father's insistence, and only returned to music after breaking his nose several times and sustaining several other injuries.
He majored in piano at Drake University in Des Moines, but claimed he was expelled for playing "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" in the practice room. Weertz entered the United States Navy and served in World War II. While still in the Navy, he earned a bachelor's degree from Idaho State College (now Idaho State University) in 1950. Afterwards, Weertz re-enrolled at Drake, where he earned his master's degree. He then moved to New York City to attend Juilliard, where he studied jazz piano under Lennie Tristano and Teddy Wilson.
Williams won a talent contest on Dennis James' television program, Chance of a Lifetime. He was heard by David Kapp, founder of Kapp Records. Kapp was so impressed that he signed the pianist, changing his name to "Roger Williams" after the founder of Rhode Island.
In 1955 Williams recorded "Autumn Leaves", the only piano instrumental to reach #1 on Billboard's popular music chart. It sold over two million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. It was the fourth #1 song of the "rock era," which unofficially began with the ascension of "(We're Gonna) Rock Around The Clock" by Bill Haley & His Comets into the top spot. In 1966 he had another Top Ten hit with the song "Born Free" from the motion picture soundtrack. His other hits include "Near You", "Till", "The Impossible Dream", "Yellow Bird", "Maria", and "The Theme from Somewhere in Time". Billboard magazine ranks him as the top selling piano recording artist in history with 18 gold and platinum albums to his credit. Williams was known as the "Pianist to the Presidents" having played for nine administrations beginning with Harry S. Truman. His last White House performance was in November 2008 for a luncheon hosted by First Lady Laura Bush.
His interest in the public stems from a boyhood experience in Des Moines, Iowa. After a piano concert by the Polish genius Ignacy Jan Paderewski, young Roger waited for 45 minutes outside in the freezing cold to meet his idol. When the pianist finally appeared it was to rush to a waiting automobile. "I didn't even get near enough to touch him or get an autograph," says Williams. "It was then and there I resolved that if ever I became famous I would never disappoint anyone who wanted to talk to me."
On his 75th birthday, Williams performed his first 12-hour piano marathon. He performed the marathon at Steinway Hall in New York City and the Nixon, Carter and Reagan Presidential Libraries. His Steinway & Sons "Gold Steinway" grand piano was on tour for public display and entertainment during 2007–2008.
In 2010 Roger Williams was inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame. At that time, "Autumn Leaves" was the best-selling piano solo record of all time and the only one ever to top the Billboard charts.
In March 2011 Williams posted on his website that he had pancreatic cancer and that his doctors had told him they could not remove the tumor until chemotherapy shrunk it to an operable size. Williams said that he did not plan on canceling any upcoming concerts. He wrote: "What does it all mean? It means I'm in just one more fight — the fight for my life.. And this much I know, this old Navy boxing champion is going for broke. Just watch me!"
Williams died on October 8, 2011, one week after his 87th birthday.
Arrivederci Roma
Roger Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Goodbye, goodbye to Rome
City of a million moonlit places
City of a million warm embraces
Where I found the one above the faces far from home
Arriverderci Roma
It's time for us to part
Save the wedding bells for my returning
Please be sure the flame of love keeps burning in her heart
Arriverderci Roma
It's time for us to part
Save the wedding bells for my returning
Keep my lover's arms outstretched and yearning
Please be sure the flame of love keeps burning in her
heart
The song "Arrivederci Roma" by Roger Williams is a beautiful tribute to Rome - the city of a million moonlit places and a million warm embraces. The song begins with the singer bidding goodbye to Rome, acknowledging the emotional attachment he has formed with the city over time. He talks about the million moonlit places he has traversed in Rome, and how the city has been a haven of warmth for him in terms of its people.
The second verse of the song shows the singer acknowledging that it's time for him to say goodbye to Rome, but the flame of love that he has found in the city must be kept alive. He requests Rome to save the wedding bells for his return and to keep his lover's arms outstretched in yearning for him. There is an emotional weight attached to the song with the singer's plea that the flame of love he left behind should still be burning in his lover's heart.
Overall, the song is a beautifully sung love letter to the city of Rome and the love that the singer has found there. It captures the warmth and beauty of Rome and the emotion that the city inspires in those who visit it.
Line by Line Meaning
Arrivederci Roma
Goodbye Rome
Goodbye, goodbye to Rome
Farewell, farewell to Rome
City of a million moonlit places
Metropolis of countless romantic locations
City of a million warm embraces
Metropolis of countless affectionate hugs
Where I found the one above the faces far from home
Where I discovered my true love amongst strangers in a foreign land
Arriverderci Roma
Goodbye Rome
It's time for us to part
It is now the moment for our separation
Save the wedding bells for my returning
Reserve the peal of bells for my homecoming nuptials
Keep my lover's arms outstretched and yearning
Please maintain my sweetheart's arms extended and eager
Please be sure the flame of love keeps burning in her heart
Ensure that the passion of love remains lit in her heart
Contributed by Hannah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.