Joseph Williams Delivers First-Ever Vocal Tribute to His Father, John Williams, with Haunting Rendition of “Schindler’s List” Theme
Vienna, July 2025 — “My father has always spoken through music,” said Joseph Williams, moments before stepping onto the stage at the prestigious Wiener Musikverein. What followed was one of the most emotional and unexpected moments in modern classical music history — and a personal tribute that brought even the great John Williams to tears.
As part of a concert honoring the legendary composer’s decades-long contribution to film, Joseph — best known as the frontman of rock band Toto — made a surprise appearance. But instead of one of his signature hits, he chose to perform something deeply personal: a newly adapted vocal version of “Theme from Schindler’s List”, complete with original lyrics written specifically for the occasion.
The audience sat in hushed silence as Joseph’s voice gently carried the haunting melody, transforming the sorrowful instrumental into a poignant tribute between father and son. From the very first note, John Williams, standing nearby, was visibly overcome with emotion, wiping away tears as the weight of the moment settled in.
The final line — “You gave the world your music… but you gave me my name” — brought the entire hall to its feet in a spontaneous standing ovation.
