If you grew up in the 1970s and were a rock music fan, chances are you loved the band Kansas. The group was formed in Topeka, Kansas, in the early 1970s. Kansas achieved widespread success in the 1970s and 1980s, with hits such as “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.” Over the years, they have released multiple studio albums, live albums, and compilations, contributing significantly to the rock genre. The band’s lineup has undergone numerous changes throughout its history, with a mix of original, former, and current members contributing to its evolving sound.
Kerry Livgren
Kerry Livgren’s role in Kansas was pivotal not only to the band’s formation but also to its evolution into one of the iconic names in American rock music. As a founding member and the primary songwriter, Livgren’s contributions to Kansas were instrumental in defining the band’s unique sound, characterized by complex compositions, intricate harmonies, and a blend of progressive rock with philosophical and spiritual lyrics.
From the band’s early days in the 1970s, Livgren’s musical genius was evident. His ability to weave together diverse influences, from classical to jazz and rock, into cohesive and compelling compositions set Kansas apart from their contemporaries. Livgren’s songwriting was at the heart of Kansas’s breakthrough success, with tracks like “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind” becoming not only chart-toppers but enduring classics of the rock genre. These songs showcased Livgren’s talent for combining memorable melodies with thoughtful lyrics that resonated with audiences on a deep level.
Livgren’s spiritual journey had a profound impact on the thematic content of Kansas’s music. His exploration of various religious and philosophical themes added a layer of depth to the band’s lyrics, distinguishing their work in the landscape of rock music. This introspective aspect of Kansas’s music appealed to a wide audience, enabling the band to cultivate a dedicated fan base and achieve commercial success.
Throughout the 1970s and into the early 1980s, Livgren’s creative output was prolific, contributing significantly to the band’s impressive discography. Albums like “Leftoverture” and “Point of Know Return” not only solidified Kansas’s place in rock history but also highlighted Livgren’s songwriting prowess. His compositions during this period were marked by a blend of lyrical introspection, complex musical arrangements, and a willingness to experiment with different sounds and styles.
However, Livgren’s evolving spiritual beliefs eventually led to tensions within the band, particularly as his lyrics became more overtly Christian. This shift was reflective of Livgren’s personal transformation and his desire to express his newfound faith through his music. While this change in lyrical direction was a source of internal conflict, it also underscored Livgren’s integrity as an artist and his commitment to authenticity in his creative expression.
Despite the challenges, Livgren’s time with Kansas left an indelible mark on the band and the broader music landscape. His contributions extended beyond songwriting; his skills as a guitarist and keyboardist added to the rich tapestry of Kansas’s sound. Livgren’s departure from the band did not mark the end of his influence; he continued to collaborate with Kansas on various projects, including the album “Somewhere to Elsewhere,” which featured all original members and was composed entirely by Livgren.
Steve Walsh
Steve Walsh’s tenure with Kansas stands as a testament to his significant influence and contributions to the band and the progressive rock genre at large. As the lead vocalist on some of Kansas’s most iconic tracks, including “Carry On Wayward Son,” “Dust in the Wind,” and “Point of Know Return,” Walsh’s distinct voice became synonymous with the band’s sound and success. His role extended beyond vocals; as a co-writer on notable tracks, Walsh played a pivotal part in shaping the band’s musical direction and lyrical content.
Before joining Kansas, Walsh honed his skills and developed his style in local groups, most notably White Clover. This band’s merger with members from another group named Kansas marked the genesis of the band that would rise to fame under the same name. Signed to Don Kirshner’s label, Kansas, with Walsh as a central figure, embarked on a journey that would see them record groundbreaking albums such as “Leftoverture” and “Point of Know Return.” These albums, characterized by their intricate compositions and thought-provoking lyrics, highlighted Walsh’s vocal prowess and songwriting abilities, contributing to Kansas’s status as progressive rock innovators.
Walsh’s contributions to Kansas were multifaceted. Beyond his role as a vocalist and songwriter, his involvement in the band’s twelve studio albums and six live albums underscored his commitment and influence within the group. His work extended beyond Kansas, as evidenced by his collaboration with Steve Hackett on the album “Please Don’t Touch,” where Walsh’s vocals graced tracks such as “Narnia” and “Racing in A.” This venture exemplified Walsh’s versatility and his ability to contribute meaningfully to projects outside the Kansas sphere.
Despite his success with Kansas, creative differences with the band’s primary songwriter, Kerry Livgren, led to Walsh’s departure after the release of “Audio-Visions” in 1980. This period marked a new chapter in Walsh’s career as he explored solo projects and other musical collaborations. His first solo album, “Schemer-Dreamer,” included contributions from fellow Kansas members and showcased Walsh’s songwriting and performing talents outside the band’s framework. The formation of Streets and subsequent albums further displayed Walsh’s ability to lead and innovate within the rock genre.
Walsh’s rejoining of Kansas in 1986 until his retirement in 2014 marked a period of continued creativity and performance, reinforcing his legacy as a key member of the band. His solo work, including albums like “Glossolalia” and “Shadowman,” and collaborations with other artists, such as the project Khymera, reflect Walsh’s enduring passion for music and his capacity to engage with a variety of musical styles and concepts.
Steve Walsh’s decision to retire from Kansas in 2014 after 41 years was a significant moment, marking the end of an era for the band and its fans. His subsequent projects, including the collaborative album “Black Butterfly” with Tommy Denander, signify Walsh’s ongoing contributions to music and his lasting impact on the industry.
Phil Ehart
Phil Ehart is one of the founding members of Kansas, serving as the band’s drummer since its inception. Ehart’s journey with Kansas began in the early 1970s, and he has remained a constant presence throughout the band’s history. His drumming has been featured on all of Kansas’s studio albums, contributing to the band’s signature sound. Ehart’s work on albums such as “Leftoverture” and “Point of Know Return” showcases his skill and has played a crucial role in the band’s commercial and critical success. Outside of Kansas, Ehart has been involved in managing the band and other music-related ventures, although his primary focus has remained on his contributions to Kansas.
Rich Williams
Rich Williams joined Kansas in the early 1970s as the band’s lead guitarist and has been with the group ever since. Williams’s guitar work is integral to the Kansas sound, featuring prominently on all of the band’s albums. His contributions to classics like “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind” have cemented his reputation as a talented guitarist. Beyond Kansas, Williams has maintained a relatively low profile, dedicating the majority of his career to the band and its music.
Robbie Steinhardt
Robbie Steinhardt was a violinist and co-lead vocalist for Kansas, known for his distinctive use of the violin in a rock setting. Steinhardt’s contributions from the band’s inception until his departure in 1982, and again from 1997 until 2006, added a unique element to Kansas’s sound. He played on classic albums such as “Leftoverture” and “Point of Know Return,” with his violin and vocal work being a hallmark of the band’s most beloved tracks. Steinhardt also pursued other musical projects outside of Kansas, including solo work that highlighted his versatility as a musician.
Dave Hope
Dave Hope served as the bass guitarist for Kansas from its inception until the early 1980s. Hope’s bass lines provided the foundational groove for many of Kansas’s classic tracks, contributing to the band’s signature sound. After leaving Kansas, Hope pursued a career outside of music, notably becoming an ordained Anglican minister. His musical contributions, however, remain an integral part of Kansas’s legacy.
Billy Greer
Billy Greer joined Kansas in 1985 as the bass guitarist and backing vocalist, following Dave Hope’s departure. Greer’s tenure with the band has seen him contribute to several albums and maintain a steady presence in the band’s evolving lineup. In addition to his work with Kansas, Greer is a member of the band Seventh Key, which has allowed him to showcase his talents as a lead vocalist and songwriter.
David Ragsdale
David Ragsdale, a violinist and guitarist, joined Kansas in the early 1990s, bringing a new dimension to the band’s sound. Ragsdale’s ability to blend violin and guitar work has made significant contributions to the band’s music since his arrival. Outside of Kansas, Ragsdale has worked as a session musician and has been involved in various musical projects that highlight his versatility as an instrumentalist.
Ronnie Platt
Ronnie Platt took over as the lead vocalist and keyboardist for Kansas in 2014, following the departure of Steve Walsh. Platt’s entry into the band marked a new era for Kansas, with his voice becoming a key feature of their recent albums, including “The Prelude Implicit” (2016) and “The Absence of Presence” (2020). His ability to capture the classic Kansas sound while bringing his own nuances to the music has been well-received by fans and critics alike. Before joining Kansas, Platt was a member of the band Shooting Star and several other musical projects, where he honed his skills as a vocalist and musician. His experience and talent have made him a valuable addition to Kansas, contributing to the band’s continued legacy in the rock music scene.
John Elefante
John Elefante joined Kansas in the early 1980s, stepping in as the band’s lead vocalist and keyboardist after the departure of Steve Walsh. Elefante’s tenure with Kansas included the albums “Vinyl Confessions” (1982) and “Drastic Measures” (1983), during which he contributed to both the songwriting and the distinctive sound of these records. His work with the band during this period was marked by a slight shift in musical direction, with a more mainstream rock and AOR influence. Despite his relatively brief time with Kansas, Elefante’s impact was significant, providing the band with hit singles and helping to maintain their presence on the charts. After leaving Kansas, Elefante pursued a successful career as a producer, songwriter, and solo artist, often focusing on Christian rock. His post-Kansas career has been marked by numerous accolades and contributions to the music industry, particularly in the Christian music genre.
Steve Morse
Steve Morse, a highly regarded guitarist known for his work with the Dixie Dregs and Deep Purple, joined Kansas in the mid-1980s. Morse was part of the band for a relatively short period, from 1985 to 1989, but during this time, he contributed to two Kansas albums: “Power” (1986) and “In the Spirit of Things” (1988). His virtuosic guitar playing added a new dimension to the band’s sound, bringing in elements of rock, jazz, and fusion. Despite the brevity of his tenure with Kansas, Morse’s influence was notable, particularly on the more guitar-centric direction of the albums he worked on. After his time with Kansas, Morse continued to build on his already illustrious career, achieving significant success with Deep Purple and continuing his work with the Steve Morse Band and other projects, further cementing his reputation as one of rock’s most versatile and skilled guitarists.
Greg Robert
Greg Robert joined Kansas in the early 1990s, taking on the role of keyboardist during a period of transition for the band. He was part of the lineup for the album “Freaks of Nature” (1995), contributing to the band’s sound with his keyboard work during his tenure. Robert’s time with Kansas was during a phase when the band was exploring different musical directions and working to maintain their relevance in a changing music scene. Despite being less well-known than some of his predecessors in the band, his contributions during this era added to the depth and diversity of Kansas’s musical catalog. After his tenure with Kansas, Greg Robert continued his career in music, though with a lower profile compared to some of his Kansas bandmates. His work with Kansas remains a part of the band’s rich history, showcasing the evolution of their sound through the years.
David Manion
David Manion is known for his role as a keyboardist and backing vocalist with Kansas, joining the band in the mid-2010s. His involvement came during a period when Kansas was experiencing a resurgence, contributing to the creation and touring of the band’s later albums, including “The Prelude Implicit” (2016). Manion brought with him a wealth of experience in keyboard orchestration and live performance, enhancing the band’s sound both in the studio and in live settings. Before joining Kansas, Manion had a long-standing association with Billy Greer, the bassist of Kansas, through their work together in the band Seventh Key.
Zak Rizvi
Zak Rizvi became involved with Kansas in the mid-2010s, initially as a producer and songwriter for the band’s album “The Prelude Implicit” (2016) before officially joining as a guitarist. His work on this album marked a significant contribution to the band’s resurgence and evolution in sound. Rizvi’s guitar playing and songwriting skills added a fresh dynamic to Kansas, blending well with the band’s classic style while introducing new elements to their music. His tenure with Kansas was notable for the collaborative nature of his contributions, working closely with the other members to develop music that was both true to the band’s roots and appealing to a contemporary audience. Despite his relatively recent arrival, Zak Rizvi’s impact on Kansas’s music has been significant, helping to shape the band’s direction in the 21st century. His background in music production and engineering, along with his guitar skills, made him a valuable asset to Kansas during his time with the band.
KANSAS TOURING MUSICIANS
Warren Ham (1982): Warren Ham joined Kansas in 1982, primarily contributing on saxophone, flute, harmonica, backing vocals, and keyboards. During his time with the band, Ham was involved in the album “Vinyl Confessions” (1982). Initially considered as a potential replacement for Steve Walsh before John Elefante was hired, Ham remained with Kansas as a session woodwind player, adding a unique texture to the band’s sound during his tenure.
Michael Gleason (1983): In 1983, Michael Gleason took over from Warren Ham, bringing his skills on keyboards, backing vocals, and guitar to Kansas. Gleason’s role was to fill the gap left by Ham, and he contributed to the band’s live performances, enhancing their sound with his versatile musicianship during this period.
Eric Holmquist (2016, 2018, 2022–present): Serving as Phil Ehart’s drum tech, Eric Holmquist has stepped in to fill Ehart’s role on drums and percussion on several occasions since 2016. His ability to seamlessly integrate into the band’s live performances during Ehart’s absences highlights his proficiency and the trust the band places in his skills as a drummer.
Complete List Of Kansas Band Members article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024