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.
Temptation
Roger Williams Lyrics
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I should have known you were temptation
You smiled, luring me on
My heart was gone, you were temptation
It would be thrilling
If you were willing
If it can never be
Pity me for you are temptation and I am yours
Here is my heart, take it and say
We'll never part
I'm just a slave
Only a slave to you, temptation
You were born to be kissed
I can't resist.
You are temptation and I am yours
Here is my heart, take it and say
We'll never part
I'm just a slave
Only a slave to you, temptation
The song Temptation by Roger Williams is a classic romantic ballad that is an ode to the irresistible pull of falling in love with someone who is a temptation. The song is about a person who is alone when they meet the object of their desire. The lyrics suggest that the singer should have known that this person was a temptation, but they smiled and lured them on, causing the singer's heart to be captivated, and before the singer realizes it, they have succumbed to the temptation.
The lyric "It would be thrilling if you were willing" indicates that the singer would like to pursue a relationship, but the temptation may not be interested. The singer acknowledges their own vulnerability to this person, stating "Pity me for you are temptation and I am yours". The singer acknowledges that they are a slave to this person, declaring "Only a slave to you, temptation."
This song is an early example of a love song that is not only a declaration of love but also an admission of vulnerability. The lyrics explore the idea of giving in to the allure of someone you know may not be good for you, but you can't help but be drawn to them, like a moth to a flame.
Line by Line Meaning
You came, I was alone
When you appeared, I had no one else in my life
I should have known you were temptation
In hindsight, it was clear that you were a test of my self-control and good judgment
You smiled, luring me on
Your friendly face encouraged me to continue interacting with you, even though I knew it could be dangerous
My heart was gone, you were temptation
Your charisma and allure made me lose my rationality and give in to my desires
It would be thrilling
The possibility of being with you was very exciting
If you were willing
Assuming you felt the same way, of course
If it can never be
But if those hopes were never to come true
Pity me for you are temptation and I am yours
I am sorry for myself, having fallen under your spell, while you remain in control of my thoughts and emotions
Here is my heart, take it and say
I offer you my affections wholeheartedly and wait for your response
We'll never part
I hope to be near you always as a devoted follower
I'm just a slave
I am willing to do anything you ask of me, since I am powerless against your seduction
Only a slave to you, temptation
You alone possess the ability to captivate me and lead me down the path of temptation
You were born to be kissed
It is your very nature to be irresistible and be a source of pleasure
I can't resist.
I am unable to refuse your advances and am under your spell
You are temptation and I am yours
I acknowledge that you have complete power over me in this situation, and I am drawn toward you irresistibly
Here is my heart, take it and say
I continue to place my heart in your hands, hoping that you will agree to accept my offerings of love and devotion
We'll never part
I hope that we can always be together, even though I am incapable of resisting your charms
I'm just a slave
I have no power of my own in this relationship, as I am completely under the influence of your tempting ways
Only a slave to you, temptation
I am a willing prisoner to your seductive power, and I am helpless to resist
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, ANTHEM ENTERTAINMENT LP, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: LARRY JOHNSON, LARRY CURTIS JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind