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.
The Christmas Song
Roger Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you!
In The Christmas Song by Roger Williams, the lyrics describe the sights and sounds of Christmas. The opening lines set the scene with the imagery of chestnuts roasting on an open fire and the nip of Jack Frost. The song goes on to describe the festive scene of Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir and people dressing up like Eskimos. These scenes evoke the warmth and joy of the holiday season as people come together to celebrate.
The lyrics also focus on the excitement of children, who are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Santa Claus. Kids are aware that Santa is on his way, and they are filled with the anticipation of spotting him in the sky with his sleigh full of toys and goodies. The song captures the sense of wonder and magic that children feel on Christmas Eve.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
A warm fire is crackling and roasting chestnuts on the open flames
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The cold winter air is making your nose tingle and feel numb
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
A group of singers is singing traditional Christmas songs to mark the occasion
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
People are wearing warm, cozy clothes to protect themselves from the cold weather outside
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
It is a common knowledge that having a Christmas turkey and some mistletoe decorations makes the season feel special
Help to make the season bright
These festive elements brighten up the festive season and put everyone in good spirits
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Small children, who are full of wonder and excitement, have their eyes shining with happiness
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
Young children might find it difficult to fall asleep on the eve of Christmas because of the anticipation of the day ahead
They know that Santa's on his way
Children believe that Santa is on his way with gifts and surprises
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa has a sleigh full of toys and treats for children all over the world
And every mother's child is gonna spy
Every child is eagerly waiting to see the magical sight of a sleigh and a reindeer flying through the night sky
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
Children are curious to see if reindeer can fly through the air and pull Santa's sleigh
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
The songwriter is giving a simple message to all the people celebrating Christmas
To kids from one to ninety-two
This message is for everyone – from the very young to the very old
Although it's been said many times, many ways
This message might have been said before, but it is still important and worth repeating
Merry Christmas to you!
The songwriter wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and hopes that the festive season brings joy and happiness to all
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: LAVELL CRUMP, MARCUS WILLIAMS, S. KEETON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind