Louis Weertz, as Roger Williams, was a popular music pianist. after winning a TV talent contest, David Kapp, founder of Kapp Records, signed him and gave him the professional name "Roger Williams" . In 1955 Williams' "Autumn Leaves" became the only piano instrumental to reach #1 on Billboard. He had a #10 hit with the movie song "Born Free", and other hits include "Near You", "Till", "The Impossible Dream", "Yellow Bird", "Maria", and "The Theme from Somewhere in Time". He is the top selling piano artist with 18 gold and platinum albums. Williams was known as the "Pianist to the Presidents", and played for nine US Presidents.