Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

KANSAS

AOR band formed '70 in Kansas, by Topeka schoolmates Kerry Livgren (b 18 Sep. '49), guitar, keyboards; David Hope, bass; Phil Ehart, drums. After a period as White Clover (augmented by classically-trained Robbie Steinhardt on violin), they split when Ehart left to tour Europe '72; on return he re-formed, guitarist Richard Williams and Steve Walsh on keyboards replacing Livgren, but it was Livgren's rejoining that kicked them into gear. They were signed by Don Kirshner after re-adopting the name Kansas; built upon a hard- won live following. LPs Kansas, Masque, Song For America '74-5 sold steadily if not spectacularly; Leftoverture '76 bolstered by no. 11 single (USA) "Carry On Wayward Son' (at no. 51 UK came closest to denting UK indifference; their pomp-rock was very much derived from UK sources: high harmonies of Yes, dual guitars of Wishbone Ash, etc). USA fans bought in quantity to put band up with other slick AOR acts like Reo Speedwagon, Journey, etc. Point Of Know Return '77 incl. no. 6 single in philosophical "Dust In The Wind', no. 28 title track; followed by live Two For The Show '78; then self- produced Monolith '79, Audio Visions '80, Vinyl Confessions '82. Walsh had made solo Schemer-Dreamer '80 and sung with ex-Genesis Steve Hackett; he left '81, replaced by John Elefante (b '58, NYC). Principal songwriter Livgren made Kansas soundalike Seeds Of Change '80. Drastic Measures '83 and Best Of '84 were further Kansas releases; they reorganised with Walsh, Ehart, Williams, bassist Billy Greer (ex-Streets), highly rated guitarist Steve Morse (ex-Dixie Dregs): albums Power and In The Spirit Of Things '86-8; Freaks Of Nature was recorded in the West Indies.