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.
Hello
Roger Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Won't you tell me your name?
Hello, I love you
Let me jump in your game
Hello, I love you
Won't you tell me your name?
Hello, I love you
Won't you tell me your name?
Let me jump in your game
Hello, I love you
Won't you tell me your name?
Hello, I love you
Let me jump in your game
She's walking down the street
Blind to every eye she meets
Do you think you'll be the guy
To make the queen of the angels sigh?
Hello, I love you
Won't you tell me your name?
I love you
Want you
Hello, I love you
Won't you tell me your name?
Hello, I love you
Let me jump in your game
Hello, I love you
Won't you tell me your name?
Hello, I love you
Let me jump in your game
She holds her head so high
Like a statue in the sky
Her arms are wicked and her legs are long
When she moves my brain screams out this song
Sidewalk crouches at her feet
Like a dog that begs for something sweet
Do you hope to make her see you fool ?
Do you hope to pluck this dusky jewel ?
Hello, Hello, Hello, Hello
I need you
I need you
Hello, I love you
Won't you tell me your name?
Hello, I love you
Won't you tell me your name?
The song "Hello" by Roger Williams is an ode to love at first sight. The singer sees a woman walking down the street and is immediately smitten. He repeatedly declares his love for her, pleading with her to tell him her name and let him join in her world. The woman is described as a queen, with her head held high and her legs long. The singer is so captivated by her that he cannot help but sing out his adoration.
The phrases "Let me jump in your game" and "Do you hope to pluck this dusky jewel?" suggest a desire for intimacy and possession. The singer wants to be a part of the woman's life, to be with her in every way possible. The image of the "dog that begs for something sweet" further emphasizes the singer's yearning, as if he is willing to do anything to win her over.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello, I love you
The singer signals to someone, expressing affection and interest in their presence.
Won't you tell me your name?
The singer is asking to know the name of the person they are addressing.
Let me jump in your game
The singer wants to join in the life, fun and games of the person they are addressing.
She's walking down the street
A woman is walking in public.
Blind to every eye she meets
The woman is indifferent to the attention she gets from others.
Do you think you'll be the guy
The singer is asking the listener if they consider themselves capable of winning the affection of the woman.
To make the queen of the angels sigh?
The woman is so beautiful that even the angels would be entranced.
She holds her head so high
The woman exudes an aura of self-confidence and self-importance.
Like a statue in the sky
The woman's regal countenance and posture are like statues one would see in the sky or in heaven.
Her arms are wicked and her legs are long
The woman's body has dangerous and alluring qualities, according to the artist.
When she moves my brain screams out this song
The woman is so attractive that it overwhelms the singer's senses and causes them to express themselves poetically.
Sidewalk crouches at her feet
The sidewalk or path seems unworthy of the woman's presence and appearance.
Like a dog that begs for something sweet
The singer compares the sidewalk's yearning for the woman's attention to the way a dog begs for a treat.
Do you hope to make her see you fool?
The singer is asking if the listener is hoping to impress the woman, even if it means looking foolish.
Do you hope to pluck this dusky jewel?
The singer is asking if the listener is trying to win the affection of this desirable, alluring woman.
I need you
The artist is expressing a desire and necessity to be with the person they are addressing.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ANDRE YOUNG, DAWAUN PARKER, MARK BATSON, TREVOR ANTHONY LAWRENCE, MARSHALL B III MATHERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind