Kansas | Artist

Kansas is an American rock band formed 1972 in Topeka, Kansas, by Rich Williams (guitar), Phil Ehart (drums), Steve Walsh (vocals, keyboards), Steve Livgren (guitar, piano, synthesizer), Robby Steinhardt (violin) and Dave Hope (bass). Later members were John Elefante (vocals, keyboards), Steve Morse (guitar), Billy Greer (bass), Greg Robert (keyboards), David Ragsdale (violin), David Manion (keyboards), Ronnie Platt (vocals, keyboards), Zak Rizvi (guitar), Tom Brislin (keyboards). The band originally formed when members from local Topeka bands, Reasons Why and White Clover, joined forces to create a distinctive new sound mixing American-style boogie rock with progressive rock, marked by complex, symphonic arrangements and changing time signatures. Steinhardt's violin was a key element of the group's sound, being defined more by Americana roots than the jazz and classical influences of most prog-rock violinists. The music of British bands Yes and Genesis was inspirational to Kansas, especially demonstrated in the lyrics of Walsh. The band became hugely popular in the 1970s, initially on album-oriented rock charts and later with hit singles such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind". After three promising early albums, their fourth album Leftoverture was a breakthrough, hitting No. 5 on Billboards's pop album chart. The next album Point of Know Return peaked even higher, at No. 4. Both albums sold over four million copies in the U.S. and "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind" were certified gold singles, selling over one million units each. Leftoverture was eventually certified five-times platinum by the RIAA in 2001. After several splits and reunifications, Kansas is still active and, to-date, has released 15 studio albums. Standouts include Kansas, Song for America, Leftoverture, Point of Know Return and the 1978 live album Two for the Show.

Artist Website: kansasband.com

Featured Albums: Kansas

Related Artists: Steve Morse, Seventh Key