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Photograph was edited for publication purposes Roger Williams was born Louis Jacob Weertz, in Omaha Nebraska on October 1, 1924. He was an American popular music pianist. Williams recorded many standards over his lifetime, including "Autumn Leaves," "The Impossible Dream," and "Born Free." "Autumn Leaves," recorded in 1955, was the first piano instrumental to reach #1 on Billboard's popular music chart. Williams, known as the "Pianist to the Presidents", played for nine Presidential administrations, starting with Harry S. Truman. He recorded 115 albums and was the first popular pianist to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He died on October 8, 2011. Photograph caption dated September 22, 1961 reads "Mrs. Harold Peterson (left) serves Mr. and Mrs. Roger Williams at a tea in their honor at the San Fernando home of Dr. and Mrs. Peterson. Williams will be soloist at benefit show, 'An Evening For You,' at 8 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Hollywood Bowl sponsored by Clarion Guild, Pacoima Memorial Lutheran Hospital. Proceeds will go toward the building of a children's chapel at the hospital. Mrs. Ben L. O'Brien, Guild president, far right, greeted guests at event."
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Image
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1 photographic print :b&w ;21 x 26 cm. Photographic prints
Williams, Roger,--1924-2011 Pacoima Memorial Lutheran Hospital (Los Angeles, Calif.).--Clarion Guild--Presidents Women--California--San Fernando Men--California--San Fernando Pianists--United States Associations, institutions, etc.--California--San Fernando Clubs--California--San Fernando Afternoon teas--California--San Fernando Teapots--California--San Fernando Teacups--California--San Fernando Candelabra--California--San Fernando Eating & drinking--California--San Fernando Candles San Fernando (Calif.) Group portraits Portrait photographs Valley Times Collection photographs
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