1976 Song INTRO Is SO BADA$$--I Have To HEAR It 10 Times Every Time I Play It! | Professor of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the COOLEST SONG INTRO Ever?

[@peterd.9978]

Spanish Caravan - The Doors

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

STH

[@TerrickTerran]

Welcome to the Jungle.

[@Code.Name.V]

Def Leppard - Photograph Flock of Seagulls - Space Age Love Song Tesla - Love Song

[@christineml1476]

"Rock and Roll" Led Zeppelin

[@tonyjanney1654]

My dad was in the end stage of his battle with cancer when this song was released. I was a 16 year old boy. who was losing his dad, a fixture in my life who had done so much to shape me, yet I still had so much growing to do. I felt hurt, lost and was looking for something, anything, that could help. I was looking for words to help me deal with my dad's imminent death and help me going forward. When the opening lines of "Carry on, wayward son" boomed out of the radio, it gave my the anchor I needed to face the future. It got me through a tough time. It became a rock to anchor me and a guiding theme as I navigate through life. Even today, when I hit a rough patch, this song gives me the boost, the inspiration, the grit, to say, "Carry on", you can get through this. It will work out.

[@John-k6f9k]

Don't post personal stories designed to get upvotes, it's really tacky.

[@nwchrista]

I'm a older father of a very young boy and the knowledge that I will probably not live to see his 30th bday. And thanks to your comment, before I pass, I'm going to make sure my son listens to this great song before I die.

[@tonyjanney1654]

@@nwchristaThis song has been a source of solace and strength since I first heard it. Sometimes, music has an effect that goes beyond hit singles and residuals. I hope the musicians know how they can help people through song.

[@Morganstein-Railroad]

@@John-k6f9k That's harsh - and Unecessary. If a song inspired him, don't crap on his memories.

[@Morganstein-Railroad]

@@John-k6f9k Just out of interest, are you going to chastise nwchrista as well?

[@forakermm]

I don’t listen to Carry On My Wayward Son often, but when I do, so do my neighbors! One of my favorite road trip songs. 🖤

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love it!

[@darthlaurel]

🤣

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That’s right!

[@WhoGitDaBiscuit]

“I don’t recycle overused cliches often, but when I do it’s always on KZbin.”

[@claytonjones8358]

New-riginal

[@briansnow9865]

"and if I claim to be a wise man, it surely means that I don't know." One of the greatest lyric lines ever. .... and btw, eye patches are so cool.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@vaughnzimmerman355]

Agreed! Still my favorite lyrics in all of music to quote.

[@carlacook5181]

Depends on the reason you are wearing it.

[@carlacook5181]

Once I rose above the noise and confusion, just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion best lyrics ever. Thanks for the interview, I loved it. Leftoverture , I always loved this name for this album, seems so much more appropriate now. Thanks Adam

[@patrickdaly5068]

“Though my eyes could see, I still was a blind man Though my mind could think, I still was a mad man I hear the voices when I'm dreaming…”

[@Jimifan57]

I live in China, where real rock is frowned upon by the powers that be, so K-Pop is about as radical as music gets over here. When I taught English, students always wanted to know how to recognize the different genres, and I just said to listen to your body. For example, they wanted to know what funk was, so I cued up Flashlight by Parliament, and everybody's heads and shoulders began involuntarily bobbing, and their feet were tapping. I said, "That's funk. And your body will tell you when you're listening to real rock. You'll just feel it." One day a student came in and told me that he had found "real" rock. He cranked up "Carry on My Wayward Son" and started headbanging to the intro, even though he had no idea what headbanging was. Yep, that's real rock, young fella. Sorry for the long comment, but this brought back a good memory.

[@beatlesrgear]

Yeah! Crank up the R&R loud in China! If Xi Jinping doesn't like it, pipe some Lawrence Welk crap into his ears and tell him to go to Hell.

[@MovieMakingMan]

Nice story. Beautifully stated. You must’ve felt elated when that student told you he learned what rock was. 👍🏼😊

[@13jorino]

I usually don't read a comment as long as this. It was very captivating.

[@deansanchez5631]

哈哈真棒😎👍🏼

[@richcates2249]

So very well spoken and are right .KANSAS IS REAL ROCK.. I encourage people all the time to get into Kansa, the whole library of work. It's simply amazing.....

[@peterd.9978]

Kansas' Dust in the Wind is a classic and a song you never get tired of.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@Huscar80]

You aren't wrong. A great song to calm down with to turn the noise in my brain off.

[@ursafan40]

I am. I was in the Army when the album came out. "Dust..." was on the jukebox in every snack bar, enlisted man's club, on every post I went to. I heard that song every day for more than a year. Sometimes 2, 3 , 4, 5 .... times a day. For more than a year. I came to HATE it. Still can't listen to it. Or anything from that whole album. I love a good steak, but being force fed steak 2,3,4.... times a day for more than a year would turn me off steak.

[@mbgrafix]

@@ursafan40 Then check out Kerry Livgren's albums, SEEDS OF CHANGE and the albums that he made with his band *A.D.*

[@SteveF80]

Amazing song but I can only listen to it once a year now , my mum had it at her funeral so the past few years ( last sunday actually on the 6th ) I play it and have a glass of whiskey and reminisce

[@bartbluemusic]

Not just the best song by Kansas (IMO), but one of the best classic rock songs - PERIOD. So many good memories with this song for me.

[@BillGraper]

It really does define "classic rock" for me. 💯

[@ProfessorofRock]

Share some!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen Bill!

[@williambarry8015]

That song is timeless

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Me too!

[@bobsacamano1274]

Kansas was known, at least among my peer group, as a thinking man’s band. Listening to Rich answer Adam’s questions, it makes perfect sense why. Very thoughtful and well-spoken guy.

[@ronaldmccomb8301]

This and More than a Feeling are the quintessential classic rock song.

[@alobar7814]

Hells Bells and Eruption too

[@ChetanGreywolf]

Ironically, those two songs are my favorites.

[@BifMcAwesome]

They are songs that profoundly engraved themselves into your psyche at the first listen. Fully engrossing melodically and lyrically.

[@HoneyBSweet1962]

Came here to say that. 🎶❤️

[@paulbennett772]

The B-side of Feeling, Smokin', is the definitive rock single. It's got everything - in a small dose. In my view the best 10 minutes or less on a 7" single

[@piscesman54]

As Rick Beato put it, "every part of that song is a hook." So true. From the opening acapella lines to the hard rock riffs, the guitar and Hammond solos, all the way to that soaring, thunderous "don't you cry no more," by Steve Walsh to bring you back to yet another monstrous riff... Amazing stuff! Kansas, one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Rick was right.

[@VideosVarious2]

That's what the producers and Don Kirshner said, in the 'Official' KANSAS Documentary, that 'Wayward Son' had a 'hook' in every part of it. So, yes, that's true. And most of the timeless classics like that song have that in common with it.

[@ZepG]

In 1984 my new girlfriend bought me the 45 of this song for my birthday because she saw me singing along and air guitaring everytime it came on the radio. We since got married and still are today.

[@Code.Name.V]

Steve Walsh is an extremely underappreciated vocalist. He really could sing anything!

[@ProfessorofRock]

One of the most underrated singers EVER!

[@claytonb9685]

@@ProfessorofRock And a very underrated keyboardist as well that I rank him along the talents of Rick Wakeman, Jon Lord, Eddie Jobson, etc.

[@michaelmappin4425]

When we talk about underrated, we really need to talk about Phil Ehart. Amazing drummer.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He doesn’t get enough credits!

[@cindysmith9085]

Steve is a Legend 😁🎹🎤🎶💞😘

[@PenguinLeeSB]

My 86 year old Father just said to me “Carry On”… so of course I started singing… “Carry On My Wayward Son”! He said “You have a song for every word” Yup! A 68 baby girl grew up with the best music!

[@peacelove3895]

I do the same thing with songs - and I'm 68 as well! Absolutely the BEST music 😅

[@c.e.anderson558]

69 baby boy as well.

[@nolaserv]

68 too and it didn't take their 4 th album before I was a fan.

[@tammybutler44]

I have found myself doing the same thing! At age 68!!!!

[@hollymourant9268]

Me too! ‘68 ❤

[@flavellinator]

Songs like this, REO Speedwagon's "Roll with the Changes," and Styx's "Come Sail Away" are those 5 minute plus songs that are so sorely missed now! Does this current generation even have the attention span to listen to a song that long?

[@ProfessorofRock]

Good call Flave!

[@kevinraymond488]

Absolutely !!! REO, Boston, Styx and of course Kansas were in heavy rotation on my turntable in the late '70s mostly because of longer songs that couldn't be cut down "to 3:05!"

[@henrykujawa4427]

@@kevinraymond488 I know what you mean. Chicago's "I'm A Man" was 3:30 on the 1971 45, but 7:40 on the LP! This is different to what happened in the 80s, when too many 45s (particularly those from Motown Records) became 4:30 instead of 3:30, and the extra minute was always "padding". I figured out why they did that, too. LESS PAPERWORK for the radio stations. (Head-shaking, isn't it?) Some of the greatest 45s have only been around 2:30. Songs should be as long as they NEED to be. (The same goes for movies.)

[@mayorb3366]

@@henrykujawa4427 Agreed, Chicago's song Make Me Smile radio version cut out the best parts from the album version. Especially that wonderful horn section tag at the end. That was just plain WRONG!

[@peterhendricksen6946]

Yeah! Put ELO's "Fire on high" in the mix also long version listen now for holloween y'all

[@Huscar80]

Probably one of the most Iconic openings to any song. Love it SO Much.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No question!

[@davidlaw689]

Kansas are the USA's Flag Bearers for Progressive Rock . Great catalogue from a band that never really gets enough accolades. Great vid, Prof.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Agreed!

They should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It’s a disgrace that they aren’t. 🤬

[@warnerchandler9826]

The R&R HoF is the only joke here.

[@bluebonnetbunny4813]

Agree! I loved Kansas and Queen. Wonderful prog rock.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Great way of putting it.

[@thebunter]

Kansas is a great band that I've always loved their music. Being a 70s kid their music was always on the two rock radio stations we had to listen to. There was some mystery in their lyrics that made you think. Great Band.

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure!

[@lisaO0514]

My GenX self finally got to see Kansas last summer with my (then) 33 yr old musician son, here in Omaha. They were magical and my son said it was one of the best shows he’s seen. The musicianship was incredible!

[@mtradz]

You and your son should have seen them in the mid-70s. I'm sorry but Kansas is not the same Kansas that they used to be

[@wilburrrrr742]

​@@mtradz I know what you mean. After seeing a few of my old favorites perform, (Daltrey, Clapton, Journey, Toto, just to name a few), I've decided not to go see any more of them. I'd rather just remember them as I saw them back then.

[@ByOurLove]

@@mtradz Nope sorry the new guys playing in the band have Kerry's support and they sound amazing. The only area where they don't match with the original members is vocals. There is only 1 Steve Walsh. But the vocals are still very good.

[@BillYoder]

I saw them in Omaha back in the 70's. Wow! They were awesome!

[@debbie4503]

Carry On My Wayward Son is one of the best songs ever. I don't remember hearing a song from Kansas that I didn't like.

[@scottburton9701]

"Carry On Wayward Son" is a song I never get tired of hearing-It still packs quite a punch.

[@MegaSpecies8472]

When I was in eighth grade, I whined enough that my parents let me go to my first rock concert. Spirit was the headliner. I wasn't really familiar with them, but I knew older kids like them. When we got to the show (in Fort Wayne, IN), we were told that spirit had canceled, but the other two bands had agreed to play extra long. The other two bands were no names that had just come out with their first albums. I didn't care. I was at a rock concert! That night was my introduction to Kansas and Queen. It forever changed my life!

[@rockymoetuffy]

1975 ish?

[@MegaSpecies8472]

@@rockymoetuffy 3.10.75

[@MegaSpecies8472]

@@rockymoetuffy apparently my memory is not what It used to be. Queen had three albums by then and Kansas had maybe their second. At any rate. Me nor anybody I knew had ever heard of either one of them

[@VideosVarious2]

Well, don't THAT just beat ALL stories here! I'm sure it blew you away, no doubt!

[@dragonfly5819]

That is true serendipity. I loved both bands first time I heard them as well but Kansas' "Point of Know Return" was the first album I bought.

[@ricksnyder9195]

I'm a Kansas kid so it was great to have a band from home. I had found them in 1972 and love the first 3 albums so when Leftoverture came out I bought like the first week. And fell in love with it immediately especially carry on my wayward son. they were in Kansas city for a concert a couple of months later and it was so cool to here it live. Thanks Rich, Kerry, Steve Dave and Robbie

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great comment

[@danielmarquis5258]

I BLAST this song when it comes on in the car!! I love the harmonization ❤.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's perfect!

[@tinahs8269]

I love singing the verses...often most other people around don't know the words to them.

[@JoeBorrello]

About 20 years ago my teenage son started playing Guitar Hero. I decided to try one song, so I did Carry on Wayward Son. Shortly afterwards I was attending a scientific meeting. At one of the evening parties they had Guitar Hero set up. The guests were mostly old geezers like me, but there were some graduate students who were playing. Then I gave it a shot and everyone was shocked to seen a geezer rockin’ it.

[@lynnz109]

I have a similar story with my son's U14 ice hockey team back in the day. The team was so impressed with this hockey mom's guitar hero skills. Kansas has been my favorite band since 1974.

[@jackpiccininni9813]

I got Leftoverture as a Christmas present from one of my sisters, well before Carry On Wayward Son was even on the radio at all. As soon as the needle hit the record and that a cappella intro came on, and then went into this insanely rich and perfectly played prog rock, I became an instant fan. Instant. It was like I found my sound, my new favorite band, which they became. I bought all three of their previous albums soon after. Sooooooo good. So, so good. Great writing, great musicianship. So much admiration for these guys.

[@paulendicott9151]

I am always amazed that music from my youth can still be loved by the youth of today.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No kidding!

[@crusheverything4449]

I think there are many reasons for that. One is universal lyrical themes, such as finding your purpose in life, as in COWS. Another is that these bands were usually putting tracks, at least rhythm tracks, down live in the studio, looking in each others’ eyes. There has to be some human element lost when a record is made via email, with the musicians recording their parts separately and then being mixed. Also, there is something much more organic about learning to play back then, versus now. These guys had no loopers, samples or KZbin lessons or backing tracks to help them! They could simply light it up in ensemble form. Along with radio airplay, live performance was how you won people over and made them fans. Kansas has always been one of the tightest live acts to ever hit the road. When you look at the individual members of The Original Six, the talent level of each is just ridiculous! These average-looking dudes from the wheat fields of Topeka made some of the most compelling, thought-provoking and moving music of the 20th century and they could rock it up like no other band I’ve ever seen! There is truly something universal in songs like theirs and they have stood the test of time better than most. Love me some Kansas!!! Great video, man!

[@PatrickMersinger]

Saw Heart and Kansas together in 1983. Great show.

[@ProfessorofRock]

That's cool!

[@jillwklausen]

This song played during the credits of the Henry Winkler/Sally Field/Harrison Ford movie, "Heroes." It felt like it was written for the movie. I bawled my eyes out as it played. Kansas was one of my favorite rock bands of the Era. Great interview, professor! Have an excellent day.

[@rickyseibert1707]

did not know that...thanx !

[@earthstara2408]

…I distinctly remember stopping in the isle at The now Historic Strand Theatre in Plattsburgh NY as the credits started rolling and this song started playing to listen in its entirety as we had been leaving after watching Heroes With Henry Winkler. The movie had a profound affect on me as a young adolescent. Up to that point I had only see Henry Winkler as the Fonz…

[@jillwklausen]

@@rickyseibert1707, you're welcome.

[@HSquared777]

I thought I was the only person in America who actually saw that film! Thanks for mentioning it.

[@GODCONVOYPRIME]

I saw that movie not enough gay sex.

[@zombiedoggie2732]

Huge Kansas fan, thanks for the Kansas shout out, they don't get enough love! It's a crime they arn't in the RNR Hall of Fame. Also it's awesome that Elefante gave a shout out to Soul Man for inspiring the famous riff. Not many artists and bands are big enough to do that!

[@RealBkay45]

What a great one, Professor! I've been a Kansas fan since I was a kid! "Carry On Wayward Son" is timeless.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree!

[@SThompsonRAMM_1203]

I’m 62 years old, and the way Scott Ian talks about not analyzing music and putting it into a category or genre is how I grew up. Good music speaks for itself. We had an AM station in Kennewick, Washington, K.A.L.E. that played pop, rock, Southern rock, R&B, country, and everything in between. I sure miss those days.

[@josephcooter5763]

This song has become so associated with Supernatural that it's hard to listen to without think about a Black 67 Chevy Impala.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No joke!

[@mikepesta9294]

Um, you miss spelled 67 olds. Lol.

[@Gidgetxf]

I saw Kansas perform this live at the SDCC Supernatural Hall H panel! What an amazing gift to Supernatural’s fans!

[@michaelmaples7109]

My 67 was blue. Carry On... sounded great in that car, Jensen 6x9s and a Pioneer cassette player. It seated 5 comfortably, and music was magic.

[@musicswdy2]

@@michaelmaples7109’67 Camaro, was basically a rolling concert! Could hear me coming from blocks away!

[@perspectivewithmikeb]

Carry On My Wayward Son was my absolutely favorite song in high school Saw them in concert in 1979

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@marktait2371]

my older brother the same year he was a senior in h.s. one of the best live bands recalls to this day

[@SRDuly2010]

Same here. Kansas and Molly Hatchet (Boston 1979 or so)

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Where at?

[@beatlesrgear]

I saw them in '80 on their Audiovisions Tour. One of the greatest concerts I've ever seen! They were dead perfect, and I left the venue totally gob smacked.

[@standurko115]

Truly, they are the greatest underrated musicians on the planet ! All very talented. Huge inspiration to me as a musician.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Truly!

[@christineml1476]

Love Kansas. "Carry On Wayward Son" - really all of their music - has so many layers to it, or as Rich says, the tempo switches so much, it becomes a feast for the ears, all of their music is.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s so complex, so sophisticated.

[@lieslwindjulie3230]

My dad and I saw them live in 1999. Carry On My Wayward Son was the last song they played that night. We had a blast!! 🖤

[@johndoiron9615]

This is seriously my favorite song of all time! It has so much depth in message and music. I'll never get tired of it. I also love John Elefante's rock and Christian music.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I will have to listen! Thanks.

[@melissalepper5880]

I love John Elefante too!

[@mbgrafix]

To those of you who are unaware... when Kerry Livgren left KANSAS, he recorded an _incredible_ solo record called *SEEDS OF CHANGE.* It was chock full of incredible guest musicians, perhaps none more amazing than *RONNIE JAMES DIO,* who recorded two *_incredible songs_* for the album, *To Live For The King* and *Mask Of The Great Deceiver.* If you are a Dio fan, yet have not heard these two songs by him, then you have missed two of his GREATEST vocal performances! After this, Kerry Livgren put a band together called *A.D.* and they recorded several, truly remarkable albums! I had the pleasure of seeing them in concert back in 1985. Seriously, if you have not heard A.D., you have missed some of Kerry's best work!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing. I want to interview him!

[@mbgrafix]

@@ProfessorofRock You're welcome...I hope you do! Have you listened to SEEDS OF CHANGE and the A.D. albums?

[@Sacred_Fire]

I knew Kerry Livgren started the band A.D. I started listening to Contemporary Christian Music in the eighties. I see the Christian message in Carry On Wayword Son & Dust in the Wind in my opinion. Kansas is still one of my favorite bands. I remember John Elefante was involved with Petra. This was another band I listened to and saw in concert.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I will take a listen. Thanks.

[@andyphillips1503]

Seeds of Change was recorded as a solo album before Audiovisions, etc. Kerry Livgren's first post-Kansas album was Kerry Livgren A.D. Timeline. I love Seeds, but it was done while Kansas was still in their classic lineup.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

I can't believe Rich Williams said the song wasn't perfect because to me this song is so perfect! The lyrics,the vocals, the instruments all align together seamlessly, one of the most perfect rock songs ever recorded in my mind. Fantastic interviews and episode professor!! Kansas blew me away with this whole album

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s a sonic masterpiece of music.

[@Bookworm-m2w]

When my husband passed away my granddaughter was listening to music through Google she was listening to like rap stuff and when he died that song came on her Google unexpectedly cause it is far away from rap and she knew immediately that her grandfather had just passed.😢 It was his gift to her.

[@beeawesome2869]

That comment touched my soul.

[@josephgeorgeejr7039]

Please introduce her to rock every chance you get, that's what I do with my 16 year old daughter, rap is soulless corruption, atleast rock has a soul!

[@PiratePrincessYuki]

My Introduction to Kansas was my older brother’s Point of No Return album… Then I went down the Kansas Rabbit Hole and just fell in love with their music.

[@ProfessorofRock]

So cool!

[@vehicle22]

Kerry Livgren, another underrated songwriter, and Steve Walsh, another underrated singer. Great band.

[@darthlaurel]

So so true.

[@crusheverything4449]

Kerry is my favorite songwriter and Steve my favorite singer. Since 1975.

[@sarah2.017]

Kerry had a stroke a few years ago and can no longer play the guitar, although he still writes songs, and the violinist died several years ago.

[@darthlaurel]

@@crusheverything4449 Steve Walsh is a great singer but we saw Kansas about 15 years ago in concert and he was kind of an ass....I thought it was weird. No idea why he was a jerk about stuff, but he seemed kind of resentful that people wanted Kerry back.

[@crusheverything4449]

@@darthlaurel - Steve was highly disappointed that Freaks of Nature, Kansas’ 1995 album, for which he was the main songwriter, didn’t reignite the band’s popularity as he had hoped. He only wrote a few songs for the band after that. I think the experience soured him. It’s too bad because, while certainly no Leftoverture or Point of Know Return, Freaks of Nature is a good record and one I still enjoy.

[@Jugivadi]

I'll never forget a friend of mine singing Dust In The Wind for a church audience once. He had those folks in tears. I never realized how spiritual that song is.

[@beatlesrgear]

It's based on the Book of Ecclesiastes.

[@jerrymarshall2728]

I believe Kansas was (still is) so underrated! Putting a violin (fiddle) into rock music, and a permanent part of their music, was something nobody did! Leftoverture was one of my staple albums, cassette tapes and CDs throughout my life! Great interview, as always, Adam! 👍

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnw5584]

Have you ever heard of Electric Light Orchestra? They started in 1970. This is the advantage of being old, I've listened to great music for decades.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They were pioneers in that way.

[@bennyscomin]

Oh there were several, King Crimson, Mahavisnu Orch., Curved Air, johnw's mention of ELO (in their most interesting period), but what Kansas did in the way they employed the violin was distinctly American and in the process created their own genre of prog rock I came to call American Gothic. Should check out 87's "In the Spirit of Things" and '94's " Freaks of Nature", the last truly great Kansas album

[@barrytaylor3828]

@@bennyscomin Listen to "The Prelude Implicit", released in 2016. In fact, listen to it several times. Great music is like that... It gets better as you play it more. This album is a return to Kansas' greatness.

[@Jims_Camera_at_dawn]

This album kept me awake for days! Trying to call in to the local radio station to win the album. Finally, on day 3.25, at 3 am, I was the correct caller. I still have that album. My favorite song became THE WALL. IMO, Carry On My Wayward Son is the 2nd best song on the album. Kansas writes poetry to music. Great lyrics on so much of their music. ☕️☕️🎶🎵🎶

[@aasja7739]

I love "what's on my Mind". Great words and guitar and vocals.

[@williambenner701]

One of my favorite bands! I have all of their albums and have seen them in concert twice!❤

[@ProfessorofRock]

What years did you see them?

[@williambarry8015]

The violin player has the coolest hair of the rock era. Hands down.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He does have a lot of cool hair!

[@BillYoder]

Yeah, it was down to his knees, lol

[@jerryoxley1827]

My first concert was Kansas Power Tour in 1986. I had a blast. This was the original lineup and they were terrific. The vocals coming out of Steve Walsh were incredible. Steve Morse was outstanding at guitar. So many songs to love from these guys.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@Code.Name.V]

I couldn't get to the record store fast enough when Power was released!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Where?

[@Augirl78]

My first was Kansas and Heart. Ruined for life - so amazing

[@jerryoxley1827]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Salina, KS

[@paulakay5981]

Saw Kansas in high school in downtown Cleveland in the late 70s. My first concert! Great show.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Johnwick-ed7vo]

To many different memories good and bad with this band, to me that's what tells me if I like a song, if I listen and it still does something for me when I am not in a good mood. That's a song worth remembering. One memory though is one that happened awhile back I'm 52 now so lived a few years have some experience. On this particular day I had just broken up with my first fiancee . We had been together for years though high school and was still together as I was trying to get a handle on having fun but still being respectful and responsible to treat people right, pay my bills, and have fun doing it. Any ways she called it quits and I don't mind saying I was broke for awhile. Then one day I was sitting in a bar at 20 lol 🤣"don't drink kids" and I was still trying to put myself back together. Someone played this song, back when there were still juke's in a lot of bars. Well everything kinda synced up, how I felt and the words of this song, the music lifted up my mood and the words were like coming from a dad I simply didn't have. Left my beer, got up, payed my tab, and as the song states I kept carrying on. Would love to say we got back together but that's not the case here, and that's okay. I wish her well and have moved and have not seen her in decades. Still own the tape the original version and retired it to the keep but don't play display and have bought 3 CD's of Leftoverture. Some things are timeless and always there when you want them

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing!

[@garretthes]

One of the top 10 greatest rock songs for sure. That album still holds up after almost 50 years. The songs are excellent and the audio quality is excellent. The mix STILL works and holds up with anything

[@thetitleisours1]

I remember in college we one guy who would play Kansas all the time. I saw them many years ago and they a fun band to watch. I still say when the moment fits: "All We are Is Dust in Wind, Dude" from Bill and Ted

[@ProfessorofRock]

COOL!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Great quote!

[@thetitleisours1]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Love those movies :)

[@darthlaurel]

John Elephante has such a great voice. And he also seems like a really sweet guy, too. I've heard other interviews with him. Nice guy.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Nice guy for sure!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He seems so sweet.

[@srmrlr]

Absolutely, my favorite band, as a Kansas kid, adult, even not living in Kansas. THe music always lifts me, or speaks to me when I need it most...

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You don’t have to have been to Kansas to enjoy the music.

[@michaelmappin4425]

When I saw the thumbnail with Steve Walsh. I said it's gotta be Carry On. I've seen them like 6 times. Once they played the Norfolk Naval Base theater and I scammed my way to front row center. While I was working my way into the backdoor, I met Rich Williams.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Cool!

[@kimnach]

Carry On Wayward Son and The Wall were among my favorites and first to know the lyrics by heart. Also, got a Leftoverture puzzle (limited edition?) when it came out with the album--still have that in my media storage room. Oh, and seeing the Stones and Kansas on the same ticket.....

[@tedbecker4051]

Love this song. It still gets played frequently. Can't listen to a classic rock station without hearing it. I saw them live many years ago. Excellent concert. Would love it if you could get an interview with Kerry Livgren.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s a scorcher!

[@allengray5748]

SONG FOR AMERICA is my personal favorite maybe because that Rickenbacker Bass was in the foreground ALSO along with the rest of the dynamics!! Great Stuff Adam! Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎

[@ProfessorofRock]

Awesome!

[@xifled63]

My all time favorite band. Was fortunate enough to see them many times starting in the 70’s as a young wayward son…

[@ProfessorofRock]

Cool!

[@BrentCox-m3r]

So good!! Got to see them in ‘78! Incredible!🤘🔥

[@ProfessorofRock]

Awesome! With Steve!

[@BrentCox-m3r]

@@ProfessorofRock Yes, Epic microphone holster on hip!!!🤘🔥

[@BradleyRoberson-d5x]

I’m from 1970s era Topeka, KS. I still get choked up every time I hear them.

[@OzzieBird]

Saw Kansas three times live. Awesome. Such a tight sounding band. I heard somewhere that Wayward Son started as a riff Kerry developed when he was just generally practicing and he recognized it was exceptional.

[@bluedogok]

Dust In The Wind was the song that came from a guitar finger exercise that Kerry Livgren did. His wife convinced him that he should develop the exercise into a song.

[@arunphillips6977]

Dust In The Wind is so awesome, it really does sum up our very existence.

[@dhit6277]

Great time in Rock n Roll. So many innovative bands. I remember hearing Queen and thinking whoa this is very different and I like it. When wayward son came out I thought the same thing. This is different and I like it. I have been fortunate to see Kansas live a few times in my life and the songs are just as great live.

[@ProfessorofRock]

THanks!

[@5slabs]

“The Wall” was my favorite back then.

[@zeus014]

Carry On Wayward Son was rocketing up the charts at the same time and parallel to Boston's More Than a Feeling. Both were epic. And it's no surprise at all that both have remained un-paralleled classics by which many following classics were measured.

[@maryarnold1426]

This is the song that changed my life. Not in the way most people think but in the fact that I went into a car stereo shop to buy the ticket and met a young man who is still part of my life. He showed me many ideas for more positive thinking about my life and my purpose in life. I had decided that I would never live past the age of 40. A few days ago I started my 80th trip around the sun. I have had and still have a very blessed life because I met this man. All because I wanted to hear the band that played this song.

[@rogertemple7193]

The early albums of Kansas had the greatest songs that combined soft and hard rock with a classical style music as well. some of the songs have been overplayed a lot but I really enjoy hearing them over and over and still do. a great interview with Rich and the others have an awesome Halloween Professor.🎶🎤🎸🎸🎹🥁🎶

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great comment Roger!

[@martinboyle9163]

Growing up in Wichita, I lived and breathed Kansas. Knowing people who knew them as White Clover was nothing compared to learning that my band teacher, Mr. Gleeson was the father of one of the later members of Kansas. I remember my bro reading the lyrics to Carry On My Wayward Son to me over the phone just so I could transcribe them because it was my favorite favorite favorite most favorite song ever. That was 1982. So imagine me back in 2013 when I learned that my girlfriend's twelve year old son had moved on from Survivor's "Eye Of The Tiger" to playing this little ditty over and over because he had to let us know it was the new coolest super cool song ever. In those youthful days of my early forties, I could only crack a smile, knowing that it's always been a super cool song and I'm happy that new generations aren't forgetting that. Best to you-

[@slroberts283]

Steve Walsh is the most underrated lead singer ever. Give the man his flowers. Why isn't Kansas in the Rock and Roll hall of fame?

[@monsieurcommissaire1628]

They're not? That is just...criminal.

[@cindysnow2123]

This was my sister Sandy's favorite song!! She sang it out loud whenever she heard it!! I mentioned the song in the poem I wrote about her for her memorial service!! Thanks to Supernatural, her 2 kids have grown to love it!! Thanks for doing a video about this song!! I am definitely sharing this on my Facebook page!! Well done!! Cindy Snow

[@ProfessorofRock]

Awesome!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Love it!

[@michaelgalea5148]

I bought a Kansas CD for Wayward Son. But was blown away by the rest of the CD. So I bought the previous CD's. Love Kansas would of liked to have seen them live.

[@ProfessorofRock]

THANKS FOR SHARING1

[@clownshow5901]

My second ever concert was Kansas, in late 78 early 79. What a show. Saw them again in 1983 with Elefante. Those songs always take me right back to those high school summer days out cruising.

[@henrykujawa4427]

LOVED this. I was in high school when that song came on the radio. WOW. I've always loved "complicated" (or what I call "epic") songs. Like "The Blue Danube". I got the 45. Not sure what my 1st Kansas LP was, but I eventually got ALL of them. My favorite Kansas LP actually turned out to be MONOLITH. My favorite songs on that are no doubt "People of the South Wind", and even more, "A Glimpse Of Home". (1979 always seemed a particularly outstanding year for LPs for me.) Somehow, I never got around to upgrading my Kansas collection to CD, so, I haven't even been able to play any of them in some time (I need a new turntable, among other things.) I've noticed several artists now who had 4-album contracts, and it was ONE song on their 4th album that "saved" their careers, and MADE them!! John Denver / "Take Me Home Country Roads", Bruce Springsteen / "Born To Run", Kansas / "Carry On Wayward Son" (I had never actually thought about this one that way before). Even, to a degree, Blue Oyster Cult / "Don't Fear The Reaper". As for unmistakable opening notes, try ONE note-- The Beatles / "A Hard Day's Night"! 😄

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@kencornine8787]

I’ve always been amazed at how a great songs take you back to a very specific moment in time that can be recalled every single time. Carry On was that song for me. Now in my late 50’s, I recently saw Kansas last year at the Peabody in Daytona Florida. It’s been a bucket list thing for me to sing with them live! I got my wish. I was singing from the stands just as loud as I could. Carry on and Dust in the wind have always been 2 of my all time favorites! What a great show even all these years later!! Thank you fellas!!

[@georgedolen1486]

"Song for America" is their best song, imo. Saw them on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert on TV in 1975 and bought the album the next day.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great song!

[@JOHNP2040]

Awesome song. I can remember as a kid my dad playing the 8 track tape in the station wagon. We were jamming in the back to Kansas. 10 years old and knew every word to every song! Just great memories.

[@saltrock9642]

To hear this song and many other classics play over my son’s high school football stadium was pretty damn cool. Teenagers singing along brought tears to my eyes. This was last Friday night, by the way.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Awesome!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I wish that song played at my school!

[@larrycone8821]

Truly one of the best interviews I've seen with a rock musician Thank you.

[@Gcockerham]

Seeing Kansas in November with my dad. Can’t wait!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Let us know how it goes!

[@joedonbaker1673]

Such a joy listening to these legends tell their story.

[@dranet47]

This song is crazy good.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@jimmerhardy]

This show, those insightful interviews, is why I drop by. Always a treat.

[@rkenseth]

I loved seeing Kansas in concert. Great musicians, great songs, super talented but prog-rock bands are all super talented musicians. My first Kansas concert was in L.A and Sniff And The Tears were the opening act. They had one hit-"Driver Seat".

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Did Sniff ‘n the Tears play any of their other songs?

[@rkenseth]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I got to the show when they were almost done with theri set. I got to hear three of their songs as I recall. After that show I never heard of them again.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@rkenseth One hit wonder indeed!

[@toddhutchins2492]

I started listening to Kansas with Point of Know Return. I fell in love with the music and went back and bought the first 4 albums. It was all I listened to in High School. They are still my #1 favorite band.

[@AlexandertheGreat99]

This is a very spiritual song if you actually listen to the lyrics. It was absolutely channelled from an ascended master.

[@darthlaurel]

Kerry was on an amazing journey.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It does have some of that language.

[@marksink1652]

​@@darthlaurelOne of those artists... one of not so many... some we're lucky to share a ride with for a while.

[@darthlaurel]

@@marksink1652 So true.

[@MissRed-AKgirl]

Great interview! This song always brings me back to magical years of long ago.

[@eldenswordable]

@Professor of Rock - Do you carry in that absolutely awesome cassette tape table to all your interviews? Has anyone ever told you, "No?" - Who would?? Thanks for the fantastic content! I'm a new subscriber - This is channel is very rad!

[@scottboettcher]

Thank you for remembering an often overlooked band. They were great, and I immediately go back to high school when I hear any of it. I literally had it on 8-Track, Cassette and vinyl. Well chosen.

[@generay6807]

Robby Steinhardt’s voice complements Steve Walsh’s voice perfectly. And he played with such emotion. RIP Robby Phil has always been one of my favorite drummers. Him and Brian Downey are amazing drummers

[@karlshuler1011]

This is one of the first songs I learned to play on guitar. I love this song. Great song to play on guitar.

[@DorktimeBwuds]

Professor, he said the track on the album was the first time they got it right. Much different than getting it on the first take. I expect 5 extra points on the final exam for pointing this out.

[@stretch753]

Brilliant composition, off the map musicianship.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@dhpbear2]

3:30 - It even outlasted 'Disco Duck'! :)

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha!

[@brunosampaio2399]

One of the best rock songs ever. And unlike many others, I can still listen today and have pretty much that same old familiar feeling I´ve had as a teenager.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

This song is terrific. So many of the bands members have passed 😂

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

This song is terrifying

[@ProfessorofRock]

No kidding. So sad. RIP!

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@ProfessorofRock Did you see the picture I sent you Sunday?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s sad!

[@fivestring65ify]

This is one of the definitive classic rock tunes. What a gem.

[@Morganstein-Railroad]

My first encounter with Kansas was through their album "Song For America". I found it in a second hand shop in about 1980. I was first attracted by the cover art - That Eagle-like bird with the talons in the foreground was striking. So it came home with me that day, and I was at first taken with the title track and then with the epic on side two (I've always liked an epic track on an album) "Incommudro-Hymn to The Atman." On the strength of that album I bought Their first self-titled album, then found "Audio-Visions", which was different but still good. Only then did I find "Leftoverture", and I must say, I loved it even though the longer track on side two "Magnum Opus" wasn't a patch on "Song For America" as a track. It was stil excellent on it's own merits. I then found "Monolith", " Point of Know Return" and the rest, but none of them compares to the first two I found. Oddly, I still don't own a copy of "Mask". However, Kansas Is still one of my favourite bands, and I love every album on it's own as a seperate entity. Great band - and that song is an all time classic.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great record!

[@everythingmatters6308]

I LOVE Masque. You must get it. It has The Pinnacle, All The World, and Sweet Child Innocence.

[@Morganstein-Railroad]

@@everythingmatters6308 Recently got it - and I agree. A great album. Should have got it sooner, but I hadn't heard of it until my divorce it 2008, and then I couldn't find a copy anywhere - Until last week. There was a copy on CD in my local HMV shop. It's not there now.

[@craigsphilhower8505]

As always great interview. I remember my wife and I were in a music store together, Ace Music Miami. I went over to the guitars, she over to keyboards. Hearing the intro to Wayward Son she returned over by the amps to a small crowd watching the guitarist, to her surprise it was me. Recounting the story years later Deanna described how my fingers shook while playing and odd description to say the least, lol, but a fond memory. Great song, great album, great band live, Hollywood Sportatorium saw them many times.