American pianist Roger Williams has died in Los Angeles at age 87 due to pancreatic cancer. He reached the top of the Billboard charts back in 1955 with his highly acclaimed rendition of "Autumn Leaves."

He also had other piano hits such as his version of the themes for "Born Free" and "Dr. Zhivago." He was also known for his regular guest appearances in television shows during his time, most especially "The Ed Sullivan Show."

Williams was not only a lover of the piano, but according to an interview in 1995, he appreciated all the other genres of music as well. He said that he likes being inspired by other types of music so that he can create his own.

"The only thing I have against rock'n'roll is the volume," he remarked.

Williams was once hailed as "the pianist to the presidents" because of his numerous invitations to perform at the White House, from Harry S Truman and George W Bush. He gave endearing performances in front of international delegates in the White House. He even charmed the former First Lady Nancy Reagan. She regarded him as one of the greatest pianists of the country and at the same time, a great American in the music industry.

Since then, Williams has been an icon in the history of American music. He is the first pianist to be given his own star on the famous Walk of Fame in Hollywood Boulevard.

He was well loved by piano enthusiasts and people lined up for his concerts wherein he is known for his piano performances that sometimes lasted for 12 long hours. On his 75th birthday, he again conducted one of his famous piano marathons to entertain his guests and show to the world his talent.

He held his last concert in Marchust a few days following his public announcement that he had been diagnosed with cancer.