Kansas
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Albums
Members
Current
Billy Greer
Electric bass guitar
Lead vocals
Joe Deninzon
Guitar
Violin
Phil Ehart
Percussion
Drums (drum set)
Richard Williams
Guitar
Ronnie Platt
Keyboard
Lead vocals
Tom Brislin
Keyboard
Zak Rizvi
Guitar
History
Dave Hope
Background vocals
Electric bass guitar
Dave Hope
Background vocals
Electric bass guitar
Dave Hope
Electric bass guitar
Background vocals
David Manion
Keyboard
Background vocals
David Ragsdale
Violin
Guitar
Background vocals
David Ragsdale
Background vocals
Guitar
Violin
Greg Robert
Background vocals
Keyboard
John Elefante
Keyboard
Lead vocals
Kerry Livgren
Synthesizer
Guitar
Keyboard
Kerry Livgren
Keyboard
Synthesizer
Guitar
Kerry Livgren
Guitar
Keyboard
Synthesizer
Phil Ehart
Drums (drum set)
Percussion
Richard Williams
Guitar
Robby Steinhardt
Violin
Background vocals
Robby Steinhardt
Background vocals
Violin
Steve Morse
Guitar
Background vocals
Steve Morse
Guitar
Background vocals
Steve Walsh
Percussion
Lead vocals
Synthesizer
Keyboard
Steve Walsh
Synthesizer
Keyboard
Percussion
Lead vocals
Story of Kansas
Kansas: A Rock Band's Journey from Topeka to the Top
Kansas, the American rock band hailing from Topeka, Kansas, exploded onto the music scene in 1973. Their rise to fame was a testament to their powerful blend of progressive rock, hard rock, and classic rock sensibilities. While initially garnering attention on album-oriented rock charts, their iconic singles, "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind," propelled them to mainstream success.
The band's impact is undeniable. They've amassed an impressive collection of nine gold albums, three multi-platinum albums ("Leftoverture," "Point of Know Return," and "The Best of Kansas"), one platinum studio album ("Monolith"), one platinum live double album ("Two for the Show"), and a million-selling single, "Dust in the Wind."
Kansas's dominance extended beyond record sales. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, they graced the Billboard charts for over 200 weeks, enthralling sold-out crowds across North America, Europe, and Japan. Their enduring popularity is evidenced by "Carry On Wayward Son," which reigned as the second-most played track on US classic rock radio in 1995 and topped the charts in 1997.
Early Years: 1970-1973
The band's origins can be traced back to 1969, when Don Montre and Kerry Livgren (guitars, keyboards, synthesizers) were performing in a Topeka band called The Reasons Why. After forming Saratoga with Lynn Meredith and Dan Wright, they began incorporating Livgren's original material, with Scott Kessler on bass and Zeke Lowe on drums.
In 1970, the band adopted the name "Kansas" and merged with members of their rival Topeka progressive rock group, White Clover. This union brought together Dave Hope (bass) and Phil Ehart (drums, percussion) with Livgren, vocalists Meredith and Greg Allen, keyboardists Montre and Wright, and saxophonist Larry Baker.
From these humble beginnings, Kansas embarked on a journey that would leave an indelible mark on the world of rock music. Their enduring legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans.
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