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.
You'll Never Walk Alone
Roger Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mula pa noon hanggang ngayon
At sa habang panahon
Sa bawat salinlahi katapatan Mo ay naroon
Aming Diyos, wala na ngang ibang Panginoon.
Ang pag-ibig mo ay tunay at walang kapantay
Kapangyarihan mo'y walang katulad
The above lyrics are actually a translation to Tagalog of the original English song "You'll Never Walk Alone" by Roger Williams. Despite the translation, the core message and spirit of the song remain the same. The song speaks about the unwavering faith and assurance in a God who is steadfast in his love and power. The lyrics signify a deep sense of trust and certainty in the unchanging nature of God's love for his people, from the past to the present and into the future. The reference to God's love being unparalleled and his power being unmatched communicates the belief in God's supremacy above all other forces in the universe. The lyrics also talk about praising God for his goodness and faithfulness.
The underlying message of the song is empowering, as it echoes the idea that even in the face of hardship and fear, one can take comfort in the assurance that they are not alone, and that God is watching over them. The song encourages people to keep walking forward no matter what, as long as they trust in the love and power of God. It's a song of hope and inspiration that is relatable to people of all walks of life, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Line by Line Meaning
Aming Diyos kay buti mo
Oh God, how good you are
Mula pa noon hanggang ngayon
From the beginning until now
At sa habang panahon
And for all time
Sa bawat salinlahi katapatan Mo ay naroon
Your faithfulness remains for every generation
Aming Diyos, wala na ngang ibang Panginoon
Oh God, there is no other Lord
Ang pag-ibig mo ay tunay at walang kapantay
Your love is true and unparalleled
Kapangyarihan mo'y walang katulad
Your power is unmatched
Pupurihin Ka ng lahat ng may buhay
All living things will praise you
Writer(s): Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein Ii
Contributed by Gavin M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Guillermo Lillo
Magnífico pianista , que manera de sacar bellas y hermosas melodías del piano
Julie Vander Leest
This one is just beautiful. I wasn’t familiar with this one though and I looked it up in a couple of hymnals my mom has. It wasn’t in any of them. I would love to learn this one. I play by ear and hopefully after listening a few times, I can pick it up.😊
Rudy Agresta
Beautiful rendition as always and an important message in its title.
Dorian Sarris
Definitely my favorite version of this inspiring song...especially the version from Summer Wind. So much beautiful music ...so little time.
James Nash
Mr. Roger Williams...a great talent and a kind man...I miss him so much.
zuleika caldeira
Suas mãos são mágicas. .me encantam ...
zuleika caldeira
AdorOooooo
Timothy Stapay
A Magnificent and Sensitive performance from the Wonderful Roger Williams!
Daniel Pawlowicz
Beautiful...!!! Marvelous...!!!
Nini Kubber
Nunca caminaremos igual.. Gracias