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.
Embraceable You
Roger Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Embrace me, you irreplaceable you!
Just one look at you
My heart grew tipsy in me,
You and you alone
Bring out the gypsy in me!
Above all, I want my arms about you!
Don't be a naughty baby,
Come to papa, come to papa, do!
My sweet embraceable you!
In these lyrics to Roger Williams's "Embraceable You," the singer is expressing their desire and love for someone, specifically someone they are embracing. The repetition of the phrase "embrace me" emphasizes the physical intimacy and connection between the singer and the person they are addressing. The singer then goes on to describe how just one look at this person caused their heart to become overwhelmed with emotion, highlighting the intense feelings of infatuation and desire they have.
The reference to the "gypsy" within the singer is likely referencing the stereotype of the gypsy as being free-spirited, spontaneous, and unconstrained by societal norms. In other words, the singer is saying that being with this person brings out their wild and passionate side. The singer then confirms their love for this person, expressing that they find all of their charms endearing but above all else they want to be physically close to them.
Finally, the singer playfully urges the person to come "to papa," further emphasizing the intimacy and submission within the embrace. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of intense desire and connection, highlighting the power of physical touch and emotion within a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Embrace me, my sweet embraceable you!
Hold me close, my dear one who can't be replaced.
Embrace me, you irreplaceable you!
Wrap your arms around me, you who are one of a kind.
Just one look at you
Merely seeing you was enough.
My heart grew tipsy in me,
I was overcome with emotion.
You and you alone
No one else but you.
Bring out the gypsy in me!
Make me feel wild and free like a gypsy.
I love all, the many charms about you!
I adore everything that is lovely about you.
Above all, I want my arms about you!
Most importantly, I desire to hold you close.
Don't be a naughty baby,
Don't misbehave, my love.
Come to papa, come to papa, do!
Come to me, come to me right now!
My sweet embraceable you!
My darling, you whom I long to hold tightly.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Unison Rights S.L., Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Yenney Rossi
È sempre un piacere ascoltare questa meravigliosa musica strumentale 🎶🎹👍Grazie caro Roger Williams ovunque tu sia per la gioia che mi dai 🙏✳️ Un meritato applauso 👋 Complimenti !! A più tardi 🇮🇹✔️🤗
Andreia Luízas
Muito Lindo! Muito Maravilhoso! ❤
Fievel Knievel
One of my favourite pianists. Because of my dad I was exposed to artists like him. 😊
Yenney Rossi
Grazie infinite per la condivisione 🙏🎶🎹👍 Ottimo video 🤳 Applausi 👏👏 A presto 🇮🇹✔️🤗
Jeff Phillips
Hey, I've commented before on how much I respect Roger at every level. I'm a jazz nut, but few pianist could make a better sound on the piano than Roger.The Steinways didn't make a piano for him for nothing!! I have a question for whoever runs the site. Do you have Roger's first recording when he still used his given name? There is an album he recorded as Louis Weertz. I just think it would be fascinating to hear how he thinking before his career with Kapp records. Thanks!!
Roger Williams Music
Yes! I've been working on that! His first recording as a 28-year-old, "Lou Weertz Keyboard Kings" is being released on streaming channels on September 22! And "Embraceable You" is one of the songs he recorded! Thank you so much for your comments!
Jeff Phillips
Awesome!@Roger Williams Music
Giuliano Grassetti
❤