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.
What A Wonderful World
Roger Williams Lyrics
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I watch them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world
I see skies of blue, clouds of white
The bright blessed day and the dark sacred night
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world
Are also on the faces of the people passing by
I see friends shaking hands, saying, how do you do?"
What they're really saying is "I love you."
I hear babies cry, I watch them grow
They'll know much more than I'll ever know
And I think to myself: What a Wonderful World
Yes I think to myself: What a Wonderful World
The song "What a Wonderful World" by Roger Williams And His Piano And Orchestra is a timeless classic that celebrates the beauty, diversity, and wonder of the world we live in. The lyrics are a poetic, introspective reflection on the natural beauty and human connection that is ever-present in our lives. The first verse speaks of the natural world, trees, and red roses, blooming for everyone, including the singer and the listener. The color green symbolizes nature and growth, while red roses represent love and beauty. The singer acknowledges the beauty around him and thinks about how lucky we are to live in such an incredible world.
The second verse carries on with a similar theme, highlighting the clear blue skies and the white fluffy clouds. It moves on to the blessings of the day, and then it contrasts that with the sacredness of the night. This juxtaposition wants us to appreciate the full spectrum of experiences and emotions that life can offer. The colors of the rainbow shown in the sky are just as beautiful as the people who are walking by. It reminds us to embrace the diversity of our world and appreciate the unique qualities of every individual.
Line by Line Meaning
I see trees of green, red roses too
I see the world around me, full of life and color
I watch them bloom for me and you
I appreciate the beauty of nature and how it affects us all
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world
I feel grateful for the splendor of the world and its inhabitants
I see skies of blue, clouds of white
I see the vast and vibrant sky stretched out above me
The bright blessed day and the dark sacred night
I am thankful for the balance and contrast of light and dark in the world
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world
I am filled with joy and wonder at the beauty of the world
The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky
I see the spectrum of colors that make up our world
Are also on the faces of the people passing by
I appreciate the diversity and beauty of humanity
I see friends shaking hands, saying, how do you do?
I see people coming together in friendly connection
What they're really saying is "I love you."
I understand that these small gestures reflect deeper human emotions
I hear babies cry, I watch them grow
I witness the start of new life and the passing of time
They'll know much more than I'll ever know
I am humbled by the vastness of knowledge and experience in the world
And I think to myself: What a Wonderful World
I reflect on the beauty and richness of life
Yes I think to myself: What a Wonderful World
I am filled with awe and gratitude at the wonders of the world
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George David Weiss, Robert Thiele
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind