Roger Williams dies at 87

Roger Williams, one of the most popular pianists who had been known for a large number of sentimental tunes including \"Autumn Leaves,\" died of complications from pancreatic cancer Saturday at his California home. The 87-year-old pianist was best known for his 1958 hit \"Autumn Leaves,\" the tune which turned out to be the only instrumental to ever reach No. 1 on the Billboard pop charts. In 1966, the instrumentalist had another hit with \"Born Free,\" the soundtrack to the movie of the same name. He had recorded 115 albums during his life time. With 18 gold and platinum albums to his credit, Williams ranked as the top selling piano recording artist in history. Williams was the first pianist to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Steinway & Sons pianos. In 2010, he was inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame. The pianist was also dubbed \"Pianist to the Presidents,\" as he had played for nine U.S. presidents starting with Harry S. Truman. The maestro played most recently at the White House in November 2008 for a luncheon hosted by then-first lady Laura Bush.