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.
Theme From New York New York
Roger Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm leaving today
I want to be a part of it
New York, New York
These vagabond shoes are longing to stray
Right through the very heart of it
New York, New York
I wanna wake up in a city that doesn't sleep
These little town blues are melting away
I'll make a brand new start of it in old New York
If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere
It's up to you, New York, New York
New York, New York, New York
I want to wake up in a city that never sleeps
And find I'm a number one, top of the list
These little town blues are melting away
I'll make a brand new start of it in old New York
If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere
It's up to you, New York, New York, New York
The lyrics of Roger Williams's song, "Theme From New York New York," paint a picture of someone leaving their small hometown in search of something bigger and better - a life in New York City. The song speaks of "vagabond shoes longing to stray" and a desire to be a part of the city's heartbeat, expressed in the line "Right through the very heart of it." The character in the song dreams of waking up in a city that never sleeps and being "king of the hill" - a symbol of success and achievement.
The song's chorus captures the essence of its theme, with its repetition of the words "New York, New York," driving home the idea that there's no place quite like the city. The characterization of New York as a place of endless possibility - a place where anything is possible and anything can be achieved - is exemplified in the line "If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere." The song invites listeners to join in the excitement and feel the energy of the city.
Overall, the lyrics of "Theme From New York New York" paint a vivid picture of a place that embodies the American Dream - a place where anything seems possible, and where even the smallest town blues can melt away with the promise of a new beginning.
Line by Line Meaning
Start spreading the news
I want to share my excitement and tell everyone about my departure
I'm leaving today
My journey begins now, and I'm saying goodbye to my current location
I want to be a part of it
I long to join in the vibrant culture and energy of New York City
New York, New York
The name of this iconic city that I am headed towards
These vagabond shoes are longing to stray
My adventurous spirit yearns to wander and explore the city
Right through the very heart of it
I want to experience the core essence of the city deeply
I wanna wake up in a city that doesn't sleep
I desire to live in a city that is bustling with life and activity 24/7
And find I'm king of the hill, top of the heap
I hope to succeed and rise to the top of my profession in this competitive city
These little town blues are melting away
My worries and woes from my previous location are fading as I enter the new city
I'll make a brand new start of it in old New York
I intend to begin anew in this historic and storied city
If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere
If I can succeed in New York City, I can succeed anywhere in the world
It's up to you, New York, New York
I am putting my faith and trust into the hands of the city, and letting it guide my future
New York, New York, New York
Repeating the name of the city for emphasis and enthusiasm
I want to wake up in a city that never sleeps
Reiterating the desire to live in a city that is always active and alive
And find I'm a number one, top of the list
Affirming the aspiration to excel and be the best in their field
It's up to you, New York, New York, New York
Reminding the city that their dreams and future are inextricably linked to the Big Apple
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MICHAEL JOHN MONTGOMERY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind