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.
Oh My Papa
Roger Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On this, our weddin' day
Do not forsake me, oh my darlin'
Wait, wait along
I do not know what fate awaits me
I only know I must be brave
And I must face a man who hates me
Or lie a coward in my grave
Oh, to be torn 'twixt love and duty
S'posin' I lose my fair-haired beauty
Look at that big hand move along
Nearin' high noon
He made a vow while in state prison
Vowed it would be my life or his'n
I'm not afraid of death but oh
What will I do if you leave me?
Do not forsake me, oh my darlin'
You made that promise as a bride
Do not forsake me, oh my darlin'
Although you're grievin', don't think of leavin'
Now that I need you by my side
Wait along, (wait along) wait along
Wait along, wait along
(Wait along, wait along, wait along, wait along)
The song "Oh My Papa" by Roger Williams explores the theme of love, duty, and sacrifice. The lyrics talk about a man who is about to face a dangerous situation where he might lose his life. He pleads with his lover not to leave him alone on their wedding day, expressing his uncertainty about what fate awaits him. He is torn between his love for his fair-haired beauty and his duty to face the man who hates him. He fears that he might be remembered as a coward if he does not stand up for himself, and yet, he is scared of losing his life.
The man's dilemma is further complicated by a vow made by his enemy, a vow that has put his life in danger. The man is ready to face death, but he is not ready to face life without his lover. The song highlights the power of love to give us the strength to overcome our fears, to stand up for what is right, and to face the uncertainty that lies ahead. The lyrics also showcase the importance of keeping our promises, especially during difficult times.
"Oh My Papa" is a classic song that has been covered by many artists over the years, including Eddie Fisher, Connie Francis, and Dean Martin. The song was originally written in German by Swiss composer Paul Burkhard in 1939, and it was titled "O Mein Papa." The English lyrics were written by Johnny Mercer in 1954. The song was first performed in the US by Eddie Fisher and became a massive hit, reaching number one on the charts.
Line by Line Meaning
Do not forsake me, oh my darlin'
Do not abandon me, my beloved
On this, our weddin' day
On the day we are united in marriage
Wait, wait along
Be patient, wait with me
I do not know what fate awaits me
I am uncertain of what destiny holds for me
I only know I must be brave
I understand I must be courageous
And I must face a man who hates me
And I must confront a man who despises me
Or lie a coward, a craven coward
Or surrender my honor and be a weakling
Or lie a coward in my grave
Or choose to die and be remembered as a coward
Oh, to be torn 'twixt love and duty
Oh, to be conflicted between affection and obligation
S'posin' I lose my fair-haired beauty
What if I lose my beloved
Look at that big hand move along
Notice how the clock hand is moving closer to noon
Nearin' high noon
Approaching noon, a fateful hour
He made a vow while in state prison
He swore an oath when imprisoned
Vowed it would be my life or his'n
Promised that either he or I will die
I'm not afraid of death but oh
I am not scared of dying, but
What will I do if you leave me?
What will become of me if you abandon me?
You made that promise as a bride
You made that vow when you became my wife
Although you're grievin', don't think of leavin'
Even though you are upset, do not consider departing
Now that I need you by my side
At this crucial moment, I require your presence next to me
Wait along, (wait along) wait along
Endure the wait with me
Wait along, wait along
Endure the wait together
(Wait along, wait along, wait along, wait along)
(Endure the wait with patience)
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O CAPASSO, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dimitri Tiomkin, Ned Washington
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind