Roger Williams In the Crystal Cathedral (CD)

Roger Williams burst upon the music scene in 1955 when he recorded Autumn Leaves, the only piano instrumental recording to reach #1 on the Billboard singles charts with more than 2 million sold. It has become an American classic and still stands as the greatest selling piano recording of all time.

Known as “Mr. Piano”, Roger Williams went on to receive 21 Gold and Platinum albums. He was the first pianist to receive a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.

On Roger Williams’ 80th birthday, Steinway presented him with the first art case piano ever built to honor a Steinway artist, known as the “Roger Williams Limited Edition Gold Piano.” Designed in art deco style by Joseph Sidorowicz, the piano “beautifully reflects the spirit and genius of this celebrated pianist.” Lyrics to the first verse of Autumn Leaves decorate the piano’s stunning gold metallic finish perimeter and falling autumn leaves appear between each line of the verse. Inside is an exquisite custom-painted landscape reflecting brilliant colors and hues of autumn foliage.

Williams was the first pianist Steinway & Sons honored with their “Steinway Lifetime Achievement Award” and was a featured artist in Steinway and Son’s 150th Anniversary at Carnegie Hall.

“His sweeping, sparkling arpeggios, fluid technique, and velvety smooth arrangements have made him, according to Billboard Magazine, the greatest selling pianist in history.”
— PAUL SCHAFFER

Over five decades, Williams’ hits charted on Billboard, including Born Free, Impossible Dream, Maria, Lara’s Theme, Till, Near You, Almost Paradise, Two Different Worlds, Nadia’s Theme, and Somewhere in Time. Over his career, Williams recorded over 100 albums, with 38 hit albums and 22 hit singles.

His recent successes were the recordings, Roger Williams Plays Your All-Time Favorites, and the two-part CD The Legendary Roger Williams, which became Reader’s Digest’s biggest-selling items.

“Undeniably one of the greatest pianists of the 20th Century. His illustrious career in music is unparalleled.”
— READER’S DIGEST