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.
Misty
Roger Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm as helpless as a kitten up a tree
And I feel like I'm clinging to a cloud
I can't understand
I get misty, holding your hand
Walk my way
And a thousand violins begin to play
That music I hear
I get misty the moment you're near
You can say that you're leading me on
But it's just what I want you to do
Don't you realize how hopelessly I'm lost
That's why I'm following you
On my own
Would I wander through this wonderland alone
Never knowing my right foot from my left
My hat from my glove
I get misty, and too much in love
I'm too misty, and too much in love
The song "Misty," composed by Erroll Garner in 1954, tells the story of a love-smitten person who is helpless and lost without the presence of their lover. In the first verse, the singer compares themselves to a kitten caught in a tree, unable to move or think clearly because they are entranced by their lover. They admit that they don't understand this feeling, but the second line suggests that they are floating high above the ground, lost in a hazy, disconnected state. In the chorus, the singer speaks to their lover directly, telling them that when they walk together, everything else fades into the background. They hear music playing, which could be interpreted as either actual orchestral music or simply the sound of their lover's voice. The singer admits that they are totally under their lover's spell and that they get "misty" simply by holding their hand.
The second verse goes on to explain how lost the singer would be if they didn't have their lover by their side. They use the metaphor of a wonderland to describe the world they find themselves in - a world full of enchantment and beauty. However, they are unable to navigate this world on their own and would be lost without their lover's guidance. The final line reinforces that the singer is too wrapped up in love to think rationally or see things clearly.
Overall, "Misty" paints a picture of a person who is utterly consumed by their love for another. They feel lost and helpless without the presence of their lover, and everything else fades into the background when they're together. It is a timeless classic that has been covered by countless artists, and its emotional appeal continues to resonate with audiences today.
Line by Line Meaning
Look at me
I am vulnerable and exposed
I'm as helpless as a kitten up a tree
I am completely dependent on you
And I feel like I'm clinging to a cloud
I am living in a dreamlike state
I can't understand
My emotions are overwhelming me
I get misty, holding your hand
My feelings can't be contained when I touch you
Walk my way
Come towards me
And a thousand violins begin to play
My heart sings and I feel euphoria
Or it might be the sound of your hello
Even your voice gives me joy
That music I hear
Every sound from you is beautiful to me
I get misty the moment you're near
Just being near you makes my emotions take over
You can say that you're leading me on
You might be teasing me
But it's just what I want you to do
I like it, even if it's not genuine
Don't you realize how hopelessly I'm lost
I've lost my way without you
That's why I'm following you
I'm counting on your guidance
On my own
Without you by my side
Would I wander through this wonderland alone
I would be lost without you
Never knowing my right foot from my left
I wouldn't know anything without you
My hat from my glove
I couldn't even distinguish my own belongings
I get misty, and too much in love
My passion for you consumes me
I'm too misty, and too much in love
My feelings are too strong to handle
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Downtown Music Publishing, Spirit Music Group
Written by: ERROLL GARNER, JOHNNY BURKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind