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.
Song From The Moulin
Roger Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And climb that stairway to the stars
With love beside us to fill the night with a song
We'll hear the sound of violins
Out yonder where the blue begins
The moon will guide us as we go drifting along
Can't we sail away on a lazy daisy petal
Over the rim of the hill?
And settle high on the crest of a thrill!
Let's build a stairway to the stars
A lovely stairway to the stars
The lyrics to Roger Williams's song "Stairway To The Stars" depict a romantic and dream-like journey to a place of eternal bliss and happiness. The song suggests the idea of creating a stairway that leads to the stars, a metaphorical representation of reaching for something greater and transcendent.
The lyrics propose the idea of climbing this stairway to the stars with love as a companion, symbolizing that love can elevate and inspire us to reach new heights. The mention of violins and the sound of music further emphasizes the beauty and enchantment of this imaginary journey, as if the whole universe is aligned with our desires.
The lyrics also introduce the idea of drifting along with the guidance of the moon, evoking a sense of calmness and serenity. The following lines suggest the possibility of sailing away on the beauty of nature, represented by a lazy daisy petal or a little dream, which would transport us to a place of wonder and excitement.
Overall, the lyrics of "Stairway To The Stars" evoke a sense of longing for an idyllic and magical existence, encapsulating the yearning for love, beauty, and transcendence.
Line by Line Meaning
Let's build a stairway to the stars
Let's create a pathway that leads to the wonders and possibilities of an elevated and extraordinary existence.
And climb that stairway to the stars
Once we have constructed this path, let's ascend it and embrace the opportunities and experiences that await us.
With love beside us to fill the night with a song
With the presence of love by our side, the darkness of the night will be illuminated by the harmonious melody of our hearts.
We'll hear the sound of violins
In the distant horizon where everything begins, we will be serenaded by the enchanting and captivating sound of violins.
Out yonder where the blue begins
In that faraway place where the immensity of the sky commences, we will venture and explore.
The moon will guide us as we go drifting along
As we journey aimlessly, the moon will serve as our guiding light, gently leading us through the unknown.
Can't we sail away on a lazy daisy petal
Why don't we embark on a carefree and leisurely journey, floating upon the delicate petal of a daisy?
Over the rim of the hill?
Beyond the edge of the hill's curve, can't we transcend limitations and discover new horizons?
Can't we sail away on a little dream
Can't we escape reality by pursuing a small yet powerful dream that can transport us to extraordinary places?
And settle high on the crest of a thrill!
And find contentment by embracing the exhilarating pinnacle of excitement and joy!
Let's build a stairway to the stars
Once again, let's construct a pathway that leads to the wonders and possibilities of an elevated and extraordinary existence.
A lovely stairway to the stars
A beautifully crafted and enchanting pathway that will transport us to the extraordinary wonders of the universe.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Frank Signorelli, Matt Malneck, Mitchell Parish
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Margot Cogan
THANKYOU FOR THE LOVELY SONG "Till "! It has been years since I've heard it and I'd forgotten how much I love it,and these days it has even more meaning for me. I am truly grateful to you!
Nancy Hipolito
They bring back wonderful & memorable memories of days gone-by. If I can only turn back the hand of time.
Mary Jenkins
Good. Years. Gone
Lêda R.J. Chaves
Como é bom recordar! Estou com 91 anos! Quantas lembranças!
Maria Helena
Leda,que bela vida !
Saúde e alegria !
Andre Matta
maravilhosa musica, relembrando tempo que passou...passou levando pessoas queridas, uma vida de um tempo muito bom...
Paulo Coelho de Andrade
Fantastico.....recordar ainda é melhor
Maria Helena
Sim !
Recordar é viver !!
Wilson José Nogueira Cobra Combra
Uma das melhores musicas.Dont forget. I remember forever and ever.Very romantic.
Wilson Cobra: age 79 -Bananal-SP. BYE!
jose luis gonzalez lopez
Música preciosa y como alguien lo menciona unos comentarios abajo constituye un regalo para la humanidad. Muy bella.