Pianists are amazing talents. I love to sing and I just open my mouth to do that. I can plunk out a few songs on our piano, but I'm at awe when I watch and listen to a pianist who really knows the craft. One of my favorites is Roger Williams.
Roger Williams rose to fame in the 1950s with his rendition of "Autumn Leaves". Lots of other beautiful songs followed. Here are a few: "Almost Paradise" "Til" (so very haunting!) and "Somewhere In Time" (from the Christopher Reeve movie filmed on Mackinac Island, MI).
He's played for eight presidents... And he is still around! The sad and latest word is that at 86, Roger is battling pancreatic cancer and the treatment side effects. A friend has requested us to keep him in our thoughts and prayers.
An interesting insight into the man behind the music is found in an on line video interview. What does he think about rap music? Music in today's school system? Did you know his dad was a professional boxer and didn't want him to be a sissy, so he learned how to box as a kid, too. He eventually found out that the piano actually drew the women to him! Click here for the interview.
Roger has several new cd projects in the works. Varese Sarabande Records will release "The Man Called Mr Piano" on July 19th of this year.
His website is: www.mrpianotoday.com.
His website is: www.mrpianotoday.com.
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