‘Pianist to the presidents’ Roger Williams dies in Los Angeles at 87

[The Straight Story]

‘Pianist to the presidents’ Roger Williams dies in Los Angeles at 87

By Associated Press, Updated: Saturday, October 8, 2:47 PM

LOS ANGELES — Roger Williams, the virtuoso pianist who topped the Billboard pop chart in the 1950s and played for nine U.S. presidents during a long career, died Saturday. He was 87.

Williams died at his home in Los Angeles of complications from pancreatic cancer, according to his former publicist Rob Wilcox.


Known as an electrifying stage performer and an adept improviser, Williams effortlessly switched between musical styles.

“Roger was one of the greatest pianists in the world, and could play anything to classical music to jazz. He was one of the greatest personalities I’ve ever known,” said Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, a longtime friend of Williams and himself a musician. “He could touch any audience, from teenagers to senior citizens.”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/pianist-to-the-presidents-roger-williams-dies-in-los-angeles-at-87/2011/10/08/gIQApaekVL_story.html

[SoCalDem]

1. He was a great one..

These guys are gone too (2008 & 2009)


I still have some of their albums:)

[monmouth]

2. He was often a guest pianist at the Crystal Cathedral and a close

friend of the Schulers. RIP Mr. Williams.

[RKP5637]

3. Never to be forgotten!!! n/t

[Chipper Chat]

4. I still have my 78 Kapp record of 'Autumn Leaves"

which he autographed for me years later.