- Joined
- Jul 6, 2010
- Messages
- 17,704
- Tagline
- Broken beyond repair but highly affable
Roger Williams, whose Autumn Leaves topped the Billboard charts in 1955, becoming the biddest selling piano instrumental of all time and who charmed radio listeners and presidents alike has died at the age of 87. He had pancreatic cancer and retired from the stage earlier in March. He was a winner of competitions including Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts, met Ronald Reagan while playing on WHO (which became a 60+ year friendship), studied jazz at Julliard, and played for all presidents from Truman to George H. W. Bush.
Other hits included Born Free, The Impossible Dream, Lara's Theme (Dr. Zhivago) and the theme to Somewhere In Time.
The first pianist named to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, he also received a Lifetime Achievement award from Steinway and Sons.
He was known for his 12-hour piano marathons, first perfomed on his 75th birthday and maybe inspired by the feats of his friend Jack LaLanne (he perfomed for LaLanne's funeral in February 2011).
He made many appearances on television variety shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show. His musical career spanned about eight decades, from child star on radio to records, TV and concerts. He was known for having a mind that could pick up a tune instantly and now we'll have to rely on recordings.
Roger Williams leaves two daughters and grandchildren behind.
Other hits included Born Free, The Impossible Dream, Lara's Theme (Dr. Zhivago) and the theme to Somewhere In Time.
The first pianist named to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, he also received a Lifetime Achievement award from Steinway and Sons.
He was known for his 12-hour piano marathons, first perfomed on his 75th birthday and maybe inspired by the feats of his friend Jack LaLanne (he perfomed for LaLanne's funeral in February 2011).
He made many appearances on television variety shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show. His musical career spanned about eight decades, from child star on radio to records, TV and concerts. He was known for having a mind that could pick up a tune instantly and now we'll have to rely on recordings.
Roger Williams leaves two daughters and grandchildren behind.
