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Kansas

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Band Timeline

1969-1973

Formation and Early Years

The band Kansas originated from a series of earlier groups in Topeka, Kansas. In 1969, Don Montre and Kerry Livgren played together in a band, which evolved into Saratoga. Eventually, after merging with members of a rival band, White Clover, in 1970, the new group took the name Kansas. Several early changes in the lineup occurred during this period. By 1973, with the return of some original members and the addition of Robby Steinhardt, Steve Walsh, and Rich Williams, Kansas solidified its core formation and secured a recording contract, officially launching the band under the name Kansas.
1974

Debut Album Release and Defining Sound

Kansas released their self-titled debut album in 1974, marking their entrance into the rock music scene. Produced by Wally Gold, the album blended American boogie rock with complex, symphonic rock featuring intricate time signatures. The distinct violin work by Robby Steinhardt added a unique texture that set the band apart from other progressive rock groups. This album laid the foundation for their signature sound and started building a dedicated fanbase, driven by extensive touring and moderate promotion.
1975

Second and Third Albums and Growing Popularity

Kansas continued to develop their music style and popularity with two album releases in 1975: Song for America and Masque. Both albums featured heavy progressive rock elements combined with American heartland influences. These releases helped the band cultivate a cult following, especially among album-oriented rock listeners. Co-produced by Jeff Glixman, these albums refined the band's approach and set the stage for their breakthrough with their next releases. They supported the albums with intensive touring to expand their audience.
1976-1977

Breakthrough with Leftoverture and 'Carry On Wayward Son'

The release of Leftoverture in October 1976 was a pivotal moment for Kansas, producing the hit single 'Carry On Wayward Son' in 1977. The album showcased the band's skillful blend of progressive rock and more accessible rock elements, reaching No. 5 on Billboard charts and selling millions. 'Carry On Wayward Son' became a classic rock staple, becoming the second-most-played track on US classic rock radio in 1995. This period marked Kansas's rise to national prominence with sold-out arena tours across North America, Europe, and Japan.
1977-1978

Point of Know Return and Major Hits

Following the success of Leftoverture, Kansas released their fifth album, Point of Know Return, which was certified four times platinum. The album featured one of their most enduring hits, 'Dust in the Wind,' which reached the Top 10 on the Billboard charts. This song contributed to their mainstream breakthrough and reinforced their popularity beyond the progressive rock niche. During this time, they also released a successful live double album, Two for the Show, capturing the energy of their live performances and solidifying their reputation as a top touring band.
1979-1980

Continued Success with Monolith and Audio-Visions

In 1979, Kansas released Monolith, which went platinum and contained two notable singles. Following that, the 1980 release Audio-Visions achieved gold status. These albums maintained the band's commercial momentum even as musical trends were shifting. Although these records did not reach the multi-platinum heights of earlier works, they allowed Kansas to remain relevant on the charts and radio, supporting tours that maintained their visibility in the rock music scene.
1982-1983

Later 80s Output and Temporary Disbandment

By the early 1980s, Kansas faced challenges adapting to the changing music industry. They released their ninth studio album in 1983, which did not achieve significant commercial success. This period saw lineup changes and diminishing chart presence. Subsequently, the band disbanded temporarily, pausing their initial run of productivity and touring that had defined their 1970s success. This break provided the members time to explore individual projects and reassess their musical directions.
1985-1988

Reformation and Power Album

Kansas reformed in 1985 and released the album Power in 1986 under MCA Records. The album featured the single 'All I Wanted,' which reached No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a successful chart return. Despite the positive reception for their singles, the album did not reach the earlier commercial heights but demonstrated the band's resilience and ability to produce relevant rock music in the mid-1980s. They followed up with another album in 1988, continuing their efforts to maintain a presence in the changing rock landscape.
1995-2000

Later Studio Albums and Lineup Changes

After a hiatus from studio releases, Kansas returned with Freaks of Nature in 1995, their first album in seven years. The album was followed by Always Never the Same in 1998 and Somewhere to Elsewhere in 2000. These works, released on smaller labels, reflected the band's continued commitment to their progressive and rock roots amidst changing industry conditions. Throughout this period, the band experienced multiple lineup changes, impacting their creative and touring activities but maintaining the core musical identity Kansas fans expect.
2014-2020

Recent Activities and New Releases

Starting in 2014, lineup changes in Kansas led to a renewed creative phase, culminating in new studio albums The Prelude Implicit in 2016 and The Absence of Presence in 2020. These albums were their first new studio works in over a decade, showcasing their enduring vitality and capacity for musical evolution within their classic rock and progressive metal style. Despite the challenges facing long-established bands, Kansas continued to tour and engage with fans worldwide, solidifying their legacy as stalwarts of American rock music.

Albums

kansas_1st_album
Kansas
8 tracks
1974
kansas_2nd_album
Song for America
8 tracks
1975
kansas_3rd_album
Masque
8 tracks
1975
kansas_4th_album
Leftoverture
9 tracks
1976
kansas_5th_album
Point of Know Return
10 tracks
1977
kansas_6th_album
Monolith
8 tracks
1979
kansas_7th_album
Audio‐Visions
10 tracks
1980
kansas_8th_album
Vinyl Confessions
10 tracks
1982
kansas_9th_album
Drastic Measures
9 tracks
1983
kansas_10th_album
Power
10 tracks
1986
kansas_11th_album
In the Spirit of Things
12 tracks
1988
kansas_12th_album
Freaks of Nature
9 tracks
1995
kansas_13th_album
Always Never the Same
13 tracks
1998
kansas_14th_album
Somewhere to Elsewhere
11 tracks
2000
kansas_15th_album
The Prelude Implicit
10 tracks
2016
kansas_16th_album
The Absence of Presence
9 tracks
2020
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Joe Deninzon

2023

Guitar

Billy Greer

1985

Electric bass guitar

Lead vocals

Phil Ehart

1985

Percussion

Drums (drum set)

Joe Deninzon

2023

Violin

Richard Williams

1985

Guitar

Ronnie Platt

2014

Keyboard

Lead vocals

Tom Brislin

2018

Keyboard

Zak Rizvi

2016

Guitar

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Steve Walsh

1973
1981

Synthesizer

Lead vocals

Keyboard

Percussion

Kerry Livgren

1999
2000

Keyboard

Guitar

Synthesizer

Greg Robert

1990
1997

Keyboard

Background vocals

Richard Williams

1973
1984

Guitar

Kerry Livgren

1990
1991

Keyboard

Synthesizer

Guitar

Dave Hope

1973
1983

Background vocals

Electric bass guitar

Kerry Livgren

1973
1983

Synthesizer

Guitar

Keyboard

Steve Morse

1985
1989

Background vocals

Guitar

Robby Steinhardt

1997
2006

Background vocals

Violin

David Ragsdale

2006
2023

Violin

Background vocals

Guitar

John Elefante

1982
1984

Keyboard

Lead vocals

Dave Hope

1990
1990

Electric bass guitar

Background vocals

Steve Walsh

1985
2014

Keyboard

Lead vocals

Percussion

Synthesizer

David Ragsdale

1991
1997

Guitar

Background vocals

Violin

Dave Hope

2000
2000

Background vocals

Electric bass guitar

Robby Steinhardt

1973
1983

Background vocals

Violin

Steve Morse

1991
1991

Guitar

Background vocals

Phil Ehart

1973
1984

Percussion

Drums (drum set)

David Manion

2014
2018

Keyboard

Background 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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