Kansas - Song for America (Live 1996)

Live performance of "Song for America" performed by Kansas in Las Vegas, NV in 1996. This song is from their "Song for America" album.

[@sohogangsta]

In regards to Walsh and his voice, he is straining. Touring, night life, drugs and age are catching up with him. Look at The Pinnacle video from around 1974. Its live and his vocals absolutely soar. Walsh's voice is in the upper register (higher) and it's difficult to sustain that ability over the years. It truly is an instrument that wasn't maintained. But what a glorious showman he was in the 70s That being said, if you never saw Kansas as they were back in the late 70's you really misse

[@havitcold]

3 times in the 70’s twice in the 90’s and once in 2000’s... Only with Walsh as the singer

[@rick2112rkrk]

Makes me glad I got to see the real Kansas back in '75 during The Song For America Tour.

[@williamgibbs3199]

Also during the Masque tour. First concert and SFA has been my favorite Kansas song since.

[@gerryjalove]

Saw Kansas 5 times in 1976 and 1977. The best band ever ! Original line-up of... Walsh,Livegren,Hope,Ehart,Williams,Steinhardt. The 6 in their prime were second to none, and are the best ever.! From Chicago

[@borntobewilder9]

When this song was first released, I couldn't believe my ears.

[@gussiejives]

Definitely my favourite Kansas tune and one of the most underrated.

[@artemtynshuk6947]

Впервые услышал в 1980 году. В СССР о существовании этой группы знали единицы. Именно с этого альбома я познакомился с творчеством Канзас. Музыкальный материал и игра ошеломила меня. С тех пор Канзас в моём серце. К сожалению на Монолите я закончил....да и они тоже. Уолш бедолага. Жаль его. Никогда бы не подумал , что такого спортивного человека сломит. Дай ему бог здоровья. Он подарил мне прекрасную музыку. Если кто знает его лично передайте ему привет от поклонника из Киева.

[@havitcold]

I will always have special place in my heart for Kansas!

[@mojorisen74]

Steve didn't clean up until 1997. He said in an interview that this was his absolute low point, he was upset that Freaks of nature wasn't the comeback album he hoped it would be, and he spiraled out of control. He ended up getting pulled over in Atlanta and had coke on him, I think that was September 1996. He faced alot of jail time and was very lucky to have no time served. Any smart individual would realize they were lucky and kick the habit, which is what Steve did....and saved his career.

[@jacquetrosper7780]

Yes he cleaned up from drugs and he admitted it dragged him to hell and back. Thank God.

[@donnaerickson2021]

He said it was ruining his life and everyone in it. I’m so glad he succeeded!❤️

[@LuvIzAhl]

Saw KANSA seven times. The best was the first time, in 1977, when Walsh could dance and sing like an Immortal. Later, when it was in the beginning of a tour, Walsh still was amazing. But, later in the tour, his voice was quite strained. He is The Voice of KANSAS.

[@forestestcn]

KANSAS is what MUSIC is ...

[@florvillaseca]

This song is amazing.

[@cindysmith9085]

All the people that want to pick Steve Walsh apart piece by piece it so nice that y'all are perfect. WOW. Give the man a break. He s got more talent and heart and soul in his performance. 💕🎶💕

[@robseneff]

Had Walsh stayed clean, and the band stayed together intact... no other band could have matched the progressive rock and roll with the harmonies and lyrics that Kansas "could" have achieved....

[@serratojohn]

I saw Kansas back in1996 I thought they were good, always enjoyed it!

[@chaoscast]

this is so prog!!!!! i love it. Listened to it today 1st time. Awesome

[@normfromal]

Greg Robert was brought into the band as a touring member for the "Power" tour.... To my knowledge he continued to play in the band and even became classified as a full-fledged member until 12/31/96 at which time both he and David Ragsdale both left the band and Robby Steinhardt returned for what would be nine more years. I hope this clears up the confusion.

[@oddbumbles]

Just an amazing song.

[@garylantinen2819]

Such a great band

[@dgcmusi]

Steve's voice is so good here because he is not jumping around taking up all his wind.

[@perromanchado]

Glorious song, fantastic band!!!

[@mrgulfstream250]

Nice vocals and a great song:)

[@connberkshire]

Damn- I almost forgot what a powerhouse band they were live...

[@weeble29]

@Smithfieldis Thats David Ragsdale, Robbie left in the early 90's, and was replaced, subsequently, in '98, Robbie rejoined until 2 years ago, David has since rejoined, so full circle , this is the current lineup, minus one keyboard player, Steve Walsh handles all keyboards now

[@jpirard]

@robseneff considering they are still together with most of the original lienup intact, and that WALSH oput out 4 amazing solo albums in the 90's and early 200's I'd say he did pretty well. BTW he is sober no over 15 years. Saw them about 4 months ago and he sounded GREAT.

[@FedericoRojasfrojas13]

great song, a clasic

[@windridr66]

It breaks my heart to hear Steve sing here. He had such a gift and I am thankful for all the joy he has given so many people but this is just a shadow of what he was once capable of and it's a shame.

[@williamgibbs3199]

Yeah, he sounds pretty bad here.

[@sjs1228]

@gussiejives In agreement with you 100%. Just love it. I play it 3 or 4 times a week....lol. I just saw kansas in concert in elkhart indiana in september. It was just incredible! Would go see them again over and over in a heartbeat.

[@emblemsluck]

fan friggin tastic!

[@jpirard]

@sohogangsta dude the guy is almost 60 years old, and he is completely sober these days. more than 15 years straight.

[@hansrajramprusad194]

Energy reloaded

[@Raelspark]

1996 -- They were playing this when garbage like grunge was popular. And THIS is better.

[@Jessica_Roth]

Poor Steve. He's clearly pissed at himself that he can't get in the groove, and he gets tentative and biffs the lyrics a couple of times besides. Yes, of course this wouldn't be happening if he'd taken care of himself, but it's still tough to see. (Still better than his being coked out of his mind at the Whisky in '92, though.) Glad that the shows got so much better once Robbie rejoined. Still, important to have as a document. Thanks.

[@mojorisen74]

I can't hardly watch this thinking how bad off Steve was at this time. He seems like he's half asleep. Drugs are a emmer effer! I hope he never has a relapse.

[@pkab9945]

Sounds a little better than the “Live at the Whiskey” video, but not much. I think he eventually had surgery. Was never the same though. Hard to listen to.

[@dgcmusi]

Is that greg robert playing keys?

[@cpamacjd]

Is the violin player wearing a Codpiece?

[@Lightmane]

No band has the TALENT that Kansas has??? Holy Crap dude, you're entitled to your opinion, but I'd offer the following as a rebuttal. King Crimson, Yes, Rush, Pink Floyd, U.K. If you haven't heard of all 5 of these, check them out on youtube. King Crimson & U.K. are insane. No one has more talent, IMO. Same maybe, but more? No frickin' way

[@lindamadden8249]

Yeah..I agree and acknowledge with everyone ...soosooo sad..and now he's gone..but he lives on ..a band called Khymera..... Google :)

[@jaimesorli2436]

fuck top video, imposible to see ehart playing....

[@dgcmusi]

So he left at one point and then came back for awhile.

[@fetlix]

Hulk hogan wears a fanny pack.. arnold schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stalone do too, whats so funny about that?

[@stomczyk3]

Bad dub. Sad, Great Song!

[@TriCityEagleA0708]

Is it me or does Walsh look like he's been replaced by a non-funny Chevy Chase here?

[@targetassassin45]

lol a fanny pack?

[@cindysmith9777]

When you get famous you can wear one too .