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Roger Williams (www.mrpianotoday.com) is the world’s most prolific piano player.
At 85, the keyboard legend, who has outlasted most, if not all, of his piano playing peers (think Liberace, Ferrante & Teicher, to name a few) has recorded 118 albums (21 gold and platinum sellers) and is often called the “pianist to the presidents.” On Oct. 1, Williams celebrated his 85th birthday.
After 60 years at the Steinway, Williams is as enthusiastic as ever about performing.
“I’m still trying to get it together,” he laughs. “I thought things would slow down at my age, but they’re speeding up.”
Williams says he can play as many as 10,000 songs from memory. He occasionally invites the audience to suggest songs. Despite his vast repertoire, sometimes he’s stumped! “Kids ask for something new, some rap tune or something. I tell them I don’t know.” |
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Williams, the son of a Lutheran minister and boxer, practices every day up to six hours.
Scattered throughout his sprawling ranch style home in southern California is a generous display of memorabilia from a remarkable career that began when Williams was just a kid.
Letters from virtually every president are featured among hundreds of album covers and awards, too numerous to detail. Williams was also the first pianist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
He says, “I’m playing better now than ever.” To young players, he is, indeed, a legend, as he’s the last of a generation of world famous piano players who once traveled the globe entertaining.
Billboard Magazine has called Williams the greatest selling pianist in history, which goes to show you that good guys don’t necessarily finish last.
When most show biz legends are slowing down, Williams is always ready to hit the road, just him and his piano, a pairing that has brought the world’s the best selling piano recording of all time, “Autumn Leaves,” and so much more!
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