KANSAS' first
public statement appeared on their self-titled album in 1974, "From the
beginning, we considered ourselves and our music different and we hope we will
always remain so." Little did this legendary rock group realize that back in
the early 70's, what "seemed to be different," was actually ahead of its time.
The members who
make up KANSAS are:
Phil Ehart
(drummer), 
Billy Greer (bass
guitar, vocals), 
Robby Steinhardt
(violin, vocals), 
Steve Walsh (lead
vocals, keyboards), 
Richard Williams
(lead and acoustic guitar). 
From the beginning,
KANSAS achieved success by playing only their original music. This "garage band"
from Topeka was discovered by Wally Gold who worked for Don Kirshner and
released their first album in 1974.
The band has
produced eight gold albums, three sextuple-Platinum albums (Leftoverture, Point
of Know Return, Best of), one platinum live album (Two for the Show) and a
million-selling gold single, "Dust in the Wind." KANSAS appeared on the
Billboard charts for over 200 weeks throughout the 70's and 80's and played to
sold-out arenas and stadiums throughout North America, Europe and Japan. In
fact, "Carry On Wayward Son" was the #2 most Played Track on classic rock radio
in 1995 and went to #1 in 1997. In 1998, KANSAS released an orchestral CD,
"Always Never the Same" recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey
Road Studios in London. They followed with an orchestral tour accompanied by
top-caliber symphony orchestras.
2000, KANSAS went
back into the studio with original band member and songwriter Kerry Livgren to
produce "Somewhere to Elsewhere," the first CD featuring all 6 of the original
players in 20 years! The ten new songs were written by Kerry Livgren and
recorded in his studio in Topeka, KS. Players included: Phil Ehart, Billy Greer,
Dave Hope, Kerry Livgren, Robby Steinhardt, Steve Walsh and Richard Williams.
