Williams was a Steinway Artist and in 1996, he was the first recipient of Steinway's esteemed "Lifetime Achievement Award" reaffirming his iconic status in piano performance and music. In 2010, Roger Williams posed with his "Roger Williams Limited Edition Gold Piano," the first Steinway & Sons Art Case Piano designed to honor a pianist.

About Roger

Known worldwide as “Mr. Piano,” Roger Williams came to prominence with his number-one hit, Autumn Leaves, which still stands as the best-selling piano recording of all time and the only piano instrumental to reach number one on the Billboard Charts.

Billboard Magazine has recognized Williams as the greatest-selling pianist in recording history. His sweeping, sparkling arpeggios, showy technique, and gentle easy-listening arrangements made him one of the most beloved pop instrumentalists.

Between 1955 and 1972, Williams had 38 hit albums and 22 hit singles. He released over 125 albums with 21 Gold and Platinum-certified albums. His Top 100 hit singles included Autumn Leaves, Born Free, Impossible Dream, Maria, Till, Almost Paradise, Near You, Lara’s Theme (Somewhere My Love), Nadia’s Theme, and Somewhere in Time (the film’s soundtrack).

Williams earned the title "The Pianist to the Presidents," having performed for nine U.S. presidents. He seamlessly blended pop, jazz, and classical music elements to create a unique smooth relaxing hybrid. He was celebrated for his captivating stage presence, charismatic demeanor, and exceptional improvisational skills, which allowed him to connect with audiences of all ages and musical preferences.

Autumn Leaves

Autumn Leaves is the only piano instrumental recording to reach #1 on the Billboard charts and still stands as the greatest-selling piano instrumental recording of all time.

Listen to Autumn Leaves with this link:

“Seven singles by Mr. Williams made it onto the Billboard Top 40, perhaps the best known of which — and the one that brought him stardom — was Autumn Leaves.”

— New York Times