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.
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
Roger Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stopped off at the North Pole to spend a holiday
I called on dear old Santa Claus
To see what I could see
He took me to his workshop
And told his plans to me, so
[Chorus]
Better not pout, I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is comin' to town
He's making a list and checking it twice
Gonna find out who's naughty and nice
Santa Claus is comin' to town
He sees you when you're sleepin'
He knows when you're a wake
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake
Oh! You better watch out, you better not cry
Better not pout, I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is comin' to town
With little tin horns and little toy drums
Rooty toot toots and rummy tum tums
Santa Claus is comin' to town
And curly head dolls that toddle and coo
Elephants, boats, and kiddie cars too
Santa Claus is comin' to town
Then kids in Girl and Boy land will have a jubilee
They're gonna build a Toyland all around the Christmas tree
So! You better watch out, you better not cry
Better not pout, I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is comin' to town
Now Santa is a busy man, He has no time to play
He's got millions of stockings to fill on Christmas day
You'd better write your letter now
And mail it right away
Because he's getting ready
His reindeer's and his sleigh. So
[Chorus]
With little tin horns and little toy drums
Rooty toot toots and rummy tum tums
Santa Claus is comin' to town
And curly head dolls that toddle and coo
Elephants, boats, and kiddie cars too
Santa Claus is comin' to town
Then kids in Girl and Boy land will have a jubilee
They're gonna build a Toyland all around the Christmas tree
So! You better watch out, you better not cry
Better not pout, I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is comin' to town
The lyrics to Roger Williams's "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" describe a journey to the North Pole where the singer meets Santa Claus and learns of his plans to deliver toys to children around the world. The song warns children to behave themselves, as Santa is watching and keeping track of who is naughty and who is nice. The chorus, which is the most memorable part of the song, repeats the warning to children that they better watch out and be good if they want to receive gifts from Santa Claus.
The verse highlights the different toys that Santa will be bringing to children, including little tin horns, toy drums, curly head dolls, elephants, boats, and kiddie cars. The chorus is repeated throughout the song as a reminder to children that Santa is coming soon and they need to be on their best behavior.
"Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" is a popular Christmas song that has been covered by many artists over the years. It was written by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie in 1934 and first sung on Eddie Cantor's radio show that year. The song has become a holiday classic and is played frequently during the Christmas season.
Line by Line Meaning
I just came back from a lovely trip along the Milky Way
I recently traveled through the galaxy and returned from my journey
Stopped off at the North Pole to spend a holiday
I took a break from my travels to enjoy a vacation at the North Pole
I called on dear old Santa Claus
I visited Santa Claus, a beloved figure who brings joy to many
To see what I could see
I wanted to explore Santa's workshop and learn more about his plans
He took me to his workshop
Santa showed me around his place of work
And told his plans to me, so
Santa shared his upcoming plans and activities with me
You better watch out, you better not cry
Be mindful of your behavior, or you may face consequences
Better not pout, I'm telling you why
Don't be upset, because I have a good reason for my advice
Santa Claus is comin' to town
Santa Claus is on his way, bringing joy and cheer to all
He's making a list and checking it twice
Santa is organizing a list of who has been naughty or nice
Gonna find out who's naughty and nice
Santa will determine which individuals have been well-behaved and which have not
He sees you when you're sleepin'
Santa is aware of your actions even when you're resting
He knows when you're a wake
He knows when you're alert and active
He knows if you've been bad or good
Santa is aware of all your deeds, both good and bad
So be good for goodness sake
Act kindly and ethically for the sake of doing what's right
With little tin horns and little toy drums
There will be a variety of instruments and toys available for children
Rooty toot toots and rummy tum tums
Different types of toys will be available with various sounds and rhythms
And curly head dolls that toddle and coo
There will be different types of dolls, some with curly hair that walk and make noises
Elephants, boats, and kiddie cars too
There will be a vast array of toys available, such as elephants, boats, and toy cars
Then kids in Girl and Boy land will have a jubilee
Children all over the world will be delighted and joyful during the holiday season
They're gonna build a Toyland all around the Christmas tree
Imaginary worlds full of joy, toys and happiness will be created during the holidays
Now Santa is a busy man, He has no time to play
Santa is preoccupied with his work and cannot engage in leisure activities
He's got millions of stockings to fill on Christmas day
Santa has to fill millions of stockings with gifts on Christmas day
You'd better write your letter now
Take the opportunity to write a letter to Santa now, while there is still time
And mail it right away
Send your letter to Santa immediately so that it arrives on time
Because he's getting ready
Santa is preparing for his busy holiday schedule
His reindeer's and his sleigh. So
He's getting his sleigh and reindeer ready for his big delivery trip
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: John Coots, Haven Gillespie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind