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.
I Left My Heart In San Francisco
Roger Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
High on a hill it calls to me
to be where little cable cars
climb halfway to the stars!
The morning fog may chill the air,
I don't care!
My love waits there in San Francisco,
above the blue and windy sea.
your golden sun will shine for me!
I left my heart in San Francisco.
High on a hill it calls to me
to be where little cable cars
climb halfway to the stars!
The morning fog may chill the air,
I don't care!
My love waits there in San Francisco,
above the blue and windy sea.
When I come home to you, San Francisco,
your golden sun will shine for me!
These lyrics are nostalgic in nature, reflecting on the love the song's narrator had for San Francisco. Specifically, the song is about leaving a piece of oneself in the city when departing. The first verse begins with the singer confessing that they left their heart in San Francisco. However, the lyrics do not actually give a specific reason for why the singer left the city, leaving it open to interpretation.
The second verse elaborates on the city's appeal, describing it as "High on a hill" and above "the blue and windy sea". This conjures up imagery of a beautiful and idyllic cityscape. The lyrics also mention the famous cable cars that climb halfway to the stars. These cable cars are symbolic of the city itself, representing its history and charm. The phrase "halfway to the stars" emphasizes the idea that San Francisco is a magical place, and the singer longs to be there.
The final verse reinforces the idea that the singer will return to San Francisco someday, and when they do, the city will welcome them with open arms. Overall, the lyrics of "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" are a love letter to a city that captured the heart of the singer, and the countless others who have been charmed by this storied city by the bay.
Line by Line Meaning
I left my heart in San Francisco.
San Francisco has captured my heart and soul and will always hold a special place in them.
High on a hill it calls to me
There's a special feeling and pull that I get from the city, as if it's beckoning me to return.
To be where little cable cars climb halfway to the stars!
I'm drawn to the unique aspects of San Francisco, such as the cable cars that give me a sense of wonder and adventure.
The morning fog may chill the air, I don't care!
Even though San Francisco may have colder or less than ideal weather, my love for the city surpasses any discomfort or inconvenience it may cause.
My love waits there in San Francisco, above the blue and windy sea.
The person or thing that I love the most is waiting for me in San Francisco, which makes it all the more special and significant to me.
When I come home to you, San Francisco, your golden sun will shine for me!
When I return to San Francisco, I know that I'll be welcomed with warmth and positivity, and that the city will bring me happiness and light.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Douglas Cross, George Cory
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind