Williams died at his home in Los Angeles of complications from pancreatic cancer, according to his former publicist Rob Wilcox. Known as an electrifying stage performer and an adept improviser, Williams effortlessly switched between musical styles. "Roger was one of the greatest pianists in the world, and could play anything from classical music to jazz.

He was one of the greatest personalities I've ever known," said Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, a longtime friend of Williams and himself a musician. "He could touch any audience, from teenagers to senior citizens." Williams' 1955 hit "Autumn Leaves" was the only piano instrumental song to reach number one on the Billboard pop charts. It remains the best-selling piano record of all time, with over two million sold.

Nicknamed the "pianist to the presidents," Williams played for every commander in chief from Harry Truman to George H. W. Bush. His last trip to the White House was in 2008, when he performed at a luncheon for then-First Lady Laura Bush.