Pianothon man

Pianist plays on behalf of music education, PBS

Pianist Roger Williams' fingers stroll over the keys of a golden Steinway. Each note conveys an emotion, so that even a version of "Happy Birthday" sounds like a musical masterpiece. A crowd of onlookers stands, seemingly transfixed, and witnesses him playing their favorite tunes.

Taking 15-minute breaks to rest his fingers, "Autumn Leaves" pianist Williams played 14 straight hours at the Fashion Show mall on Nov. 17 to help spread awareness for music education and to raise money for Vegas PBS.

For a donation to the local Public Broadcasting Service affiliate, listeners were able to request a song for Williams to play on his limited gold edition piano by Steinway & Sons. Selections ranged from Broadway tunes to classical to holiday carols.

"He will play close to 300 songs by the time it's over," said Rob Wilcox, who introduced Williams to the crowd and assisted him during breaks.

Williams, 82, said he chose to assist PBS because he is grateful for how public television has helped him throughout the years.

"They've been very good to me," he said.

Williams has recorded 116 albums, 18 of which have achieved gold and platinum status. Williams has had 22 hits, including "Autumn Leaves" in 1955, which is the only piano instrumental to hit No. 1 on the Billboard singles chart. Steinway honored Williams with its Lifetime Achievement award. Thus far, no other artist has been honored by Steinway.

Fourteen hours is a new playing record for Williams, who started the tradition in 2000. He said he adds 30 minutes every year.

"I'm going to push it all the way," Williams said.

Williams said discipline is the key to playing piano for 14 hours.

"When I was in college, I listed all the things I had to do that I don't like that I should be doing," Williams said.

Eating vegetables topped the list, followed by more exercise. Williams said to meet the challenge of eating more vegetables, he combines all of the ones he dislikes into a blender, holds his nose and drinks it. To exercise more, Williams said he walks 3 miles five days per week.

He said he uses the same philosophy while willing himself to keep playing for 14 hours.

Williams also stressed the importance of music education in schools. He planned to make a film to show in classrooms across the country about music and education.

"Music is a great relaxer. It is important no matter what you go into in life," he said.

Williams said he has had many influential educators and critics throughout his life. Williams said those who are truly talented in music will vow to work harder in the face of criticism rather than let it break them.

"It's the butt kickers that have made me, not the back slappers," he said. "Every time someone tells me I can't do something, I do it."