Roger Williams (pianist)

Roger Williams
Williams in 1958
Background information
Born
Louis Jacob Weertz

(1924-10-01)October 1, 1924
Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
DiedOctober 8, 2011(2011-10-08) (aged 87)
Encino, California, U.S.
GenresPop standards
InstrumentPiano
Years active1955–2011
LabelKapp
Websitewww.rogerwilliamsmusic.com

Roger Williams (born Louis Jacob Weertz; October 1, 1924 – October 8, 2011) was an American popular music pianist. Described by the Los Angeles Times as "one of the most popular instrumentalists of the mid-20th century", and "the rare instrumental pop artist to strike a lasting commercial chord," Williams had 22 hit singles – including the chart-topping "Autumn Leaves" in 1955 and "Born Free" in 1966 – and 38 hit albums between 1955 and 1972.

He was a Navy boxing champion, played for nine U.S. Presidential administrations, and had a gold Steinway & Sons grand piano model named in his honor.

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