In this 2010 photograph, Roger Williams poses with the "Roger Williams Limited Edition Gold Piano," the first piano series dedicated by Steinway & Sons to honor a pianist. Williams was also the first recipient of Steinway's esteemed "Lifetime Achievement Award" in 1996, reaffirming his iconic status in piano performance and music.

About Roger

Known worldwide as “Mr. Piano,” Roger Williams was a virtuoso pianist whose sweeping, sparkling arpeggios, showy technique, and gentle easy-listening arrangements established him as one of the most beloved pop instrumentalists. Billboard Magazine recognized Williams as the best-selling pianist in recording history. He additionally earned the title "The Pianist to the Presidents," having performed for nine U.S. presidents.

Williams 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. He seamlessly blended elements of pop, jazz, and classical music to create a unique smooth relaxing hybrid.

Williams' most notable achievement was his hit single Autumn Leaves, the best-selling piano recording of all time and the only piano instrumental to reach number one on the Billboard Charts. Williams released over 125 albums with 21 Gold and Platinum-certified albums, 38 hit albums, and 23 Top 100 hit singles, including 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).

Autumn Leaves

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

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