Mr. Roger Williams

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Mr. Roger Williams

TRIBUTE TO ROGER WILLIAMS

Mr. HATCH. Mr. President. I rise today to pay special tribute to America's pre-eminent, piano-playing patriot, Mr. Roger Williams. Roger is to American music what the Grand Canyon is to the American landscape.

Roger has enjoyed decades of success and the title ``Pianist to the Presidents,'' because he has had the honor to perform for eight of our Nation's Commanders In Chief. In 2004, Roger celebrated his birthday alongside Jimmy Carter because the two share the exact same birth date.

Despite his advancing years, Roger's ivory-tickling fingers continue to thrill audiences. In November, he broke his own record for marathon piano-playing with a 14-hour performance at Steinway Hall in New York City. The marathon was to raise awareness of the importance of music education and to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his classic, ``Autumn Leaves.'' This song is the only piano instrumental that has ever reached No. 1 on the Billboard singles charts.

According to Billboard Magazine, Roger is the greatest-selling pianist of all time, with 18 Gold and Platinum albums to his credit. He is the first pianist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and is--so far--the only recipient of the Steinway Lifetime Achievement Award. Williams has played the music for soundtracks to films of three generations and in 2004 he released his 116th album. His records ``Born Free,'' ``The Impossible Dream,'' ``Almost Paradise,'' and the theme from ``Somewhere in Time'' are only some of his hits, which span 4 decades.

Not only a virtuoso, Roger is also a man of great virtue. He is a champion of music education in all schools and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger named him ``Champion for Youth 2004.'' Roger regularly donates his time and talent to charitable efforts and non-profit organizations, including spots on the televised ``Hour of Power'' ministry since 1974.

I am grateful that I had the privilege of friendship with Roger Williams. He is a great man, a superlative musician, and a true American. As a musician myself, albeit one who is fairly low on the pecking order, I commend Roger for his talent, hard work, and dedication to his craft. His music will continue to bless the lives of literally millions for generations.