Welcome to the 2nd edition of Roger Williams KEY NOTES newsletter. There are some very interesting topics to relate.

LAS VEGAS SHOW: In July of this year, Roger played three days in Las Vegas - July 23-25 - at the Sun Coast Hotel and Casino in their Showroom Theater. The Showroom seats about 500 people and is set up with tables and booths on tiered levels. Yours truly was pleased to be there for all three performances.

In the audience the first night was comedian Marty Allen (of Allen & Rossi) fame. Johnnie Carl, conductor of the Crystal Cathedral orchestra, and his wife were in attendance the last night. The Showroom was filled to capacity all three nights, and Roger was very warmly received by his audiences.

HOUR OF POWER: Anyone who watches the Hour of Power from the Crystal Cathedral every week, or at least periodically, knows that Roger is often a guest performer at the services - which he has done for over 30 years now. Recently he was asked to put together a CD containing 14 of the hymns/songs he has performed at the Cathedral from around 1981 to the present. Starting in early July the CD was offered to viewers for whatever donation they wished to offer. The response was tremendous. In just 2 1/2 months the CD - Roger Williams at the Crystal Cathedral - had brought in $1.5 million to the ministry.

On September 19, on one of his guest appearances, Dr. Schuller's son, the Rev. Robert A. Schuller, presented Roger with a platinum CD to show their immense gratitude.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: October 1st marked Roger's 80th birthday. Since 1999 he has been performing marathons at presidential libraries, attempting to break his own record each time. This year, former president, Jimmy Carter invited Roger to perform at his Presidential Library & Museum as he also turned 80 years of age on October 1st. The marathon took place in the lobby of the library from 9:30 A.M. until 11:00 P.M. Yes, Roger DID break his previous record by playing 13 1/2 hours.

In a news release issued July 28, 2004, both Pres. Carter and Roger issued statements. Pres. Carter had this to say: "I am delighted that Roger has chosen to celebrate our birthday this way. It will be a great opportunity for me and for people from across the country to hear some of Americas favorite melodies performed by one of our nation's best loved musical artists". And Roger: "While I have had the honor of performing for eight of our country's presidents, I never had the opportunity to play for President Carter when he was in the White House. It will be a special privilege to be able to celebrate our mutual milestone birthdays and to perform for him at the Carter Library".

IN THE NEWS: There was a fine review by Nick Marino that appeared in the newspaper on October 3rd. You can read this review by clicking here. In conjunction with the marathon/birthday celebration, Steinway shipped the special grand piano, made in Rogers honor, to Atlanta for him to mark the pianos debut at the marathon. This is the first time in its 151-year history that Steinway has manufactured a special piano for one of its artists. Steinway's executive vice-president, Frank Mazurco stated: This is purely a gesture on the part of Steinway to build a piano specifically for Roger Williams to use on his concert tours. We have such a fond relationship with Roger. We think he s such a special artist and has done so much for the musical community. This is a small tribute.

It's a Limited Edition Piano, designed in the art-deco style, and reflects architectural lines from that historic period. It features a gold-metallic finish accented by a high-gloss top coat. Lyricsto the first verse of AUTUMN LEAVES decorate the piano s perimeter. In addition, falling leaves appear between each line of the verse. The music desk is decorated with signature notes from the song, and the piano plate offers a custom-painted scene that emulates an autumn landscape. The piano, priced at $258,000, was on display at the Steinway Galleries on September 29 and Roger made an appearance there from 2-3 P.M. to greet and meet the people who stopped by.

MILESTONES: Another milestone for Roger occurred over the weekend of October 29-31 in Omaha, Nebraska - the city where he was born in 1924. He was in town to perform three concerts with the Omaha Symphony - his first since 1996 - at the Orpheum Theater. On that Friday. Roger was inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame and Mayor Mike Fahey proclaimed October 29 as Roger Williams Day. In an interview with Ashley Hassebroek. staff writer for the World-Herald, Roger said. I'm playing better than I've ever played, and I m feeling better. I have this crazy idea that the best part of my career is ahead of me. I really believe that with all my heart.

Hope you enjoyed this issue of KEY NOTES. I'm looking forward to passing along further news on Roger in 2005.
------ Pauline Vang