What Most Fans Don't Know About Kansas

Songs like “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry On Wayward Son” remain staples of classic rock radio, but the rock band Kansas has been performing together on-and-off for decades. The American progressive rock band first got together in 1972, inspired by the sounds of British prog bands like Genesis and King Crimson, and their unique album covers soon became just as famous as their unique brand of rock and roll. From their early struggles with fame to the various times they’ve broken up and reunited, let’s take a look at some things that most fans don’t know about the band Kansas.
#Kansas #Rock #Music
Kansas in Kansas | 0:00
British influence | 0:52
White Clover | 1:41
The first album | 2:16
Fame and success | 3:12
Cover art | 4:02
Holy rollers | 5:14
A Sioux legacy | 6:06
Rocky years | 7:01
The lost masters | 7:40
Snubbed | 8:27
Read Full Article: www.grunge.com/234025/what-mo...

[@bethepperson5363]

They deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!!!

[@clemclemson9259]

I think Miley Cyrus beat them out Hall of Fame is a JOKE

[@urkoolUncle]

Truth. And if there would ever be a Memorial greater than the R&R Hall of Fame, they should be the first ones inducted. (The R&R Hall of Fame is more of a joke. Musicians who don't know or play rock are inducted).

[@marcillioficino4663]

Thank God Snoop Dog has been inducted.😂

[@urkoolUncle]

@@marcillioficino4663 😂😂😂

[@psychlos21]

My favorite progressive rock band. They struck a cord in my heart back in 1975.

[@alaskatoburningmen4549]

I agree with you.Though i'm a huge fan of Yes, Rush, Genesis and ELP in particular.Kansas is dearest to my heart, and most underrated.

[@mustlistengood3346]

I'd like to thank Kansas and Kerry Livgren for writing the sound track for my life.

[@XBootlicker]

He knew. Wings of steel

[@eileenmaryomalley740]

These guys are musical geniuses ! They are loved and admired worldwide 🌟

[@artistaprimus7080]

I saw Kansas at a bar in Liberal, Kansas in the 70s. It was before they were big and they played at a bar that hosted rock bands every weekend. I was barely old enough to drink. Even then, they were so much better than all the other bands. Amazing music and incredible vocals by Steve Walsh. A bittersweet memory now than Steve Walsh is retired and Ronnie Stienhardt has passed away.

[@Rush-pt4cy]

This is arguably the most talented rock band of the 1970's

[@scientificdevil4672]

By a long shot. Seeing them live back then was incredible.

[@richardkenmore2124]

Top 3 of my favorite bands!

[@hermittraveler2163]

@@richardkenmore2124 #1 for me

[@elproducto9267]

And yet… Cheap Trick… and the Foo Fighters…are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Kansas? Nah.

[@catholicdad]

Kansas/Steely Dan tied for my #1. But, they're each their own thing, so Kansas #1 Rock, SD #1 Fusion.

[@lylesmith9547]

I was in six grade when left overture hit the airwaves and I was instantly mesmerized by their talent . I finally didn’t have to listen to kiss any more on the radio I could listen to Kansas

[@crusheverything4449]

Where were you hearing Kiss on the radio? I never did in CT.

[@adude394]

My favorite band of all time. Unbelievable musical chops, and yet maybe more accessible than other prog music.

[@alaskatoburningmen4549]

That's it exactly! They could write songs (and sing them very well) in addition to being superb musicians!They were more vocally oriented than many of their peers.I would add ELP and Genesis to the vocally oriented bunch.

[@baurukthrasher2887]

Kansas is by far my favorite band of all time... very underrated it feels like they make music for people who are really dedicated to really listen to the music. The kansas community is very kind and respectful.

[@scientificdevil4672]

Thank you, I feel exactly the same way. Kerry Livgren is a musical genius. They are so very underrated like you said. I wonder sometimes if a person needs to understand music on a higher level to know how good they really are. You my friend know music.

[@8KilgoreTrout4]

What are your favorite less-common tracks?

[@katesjanice]

@@8KilgoreTrout4 Mine are Lamplight Symphony, The Pinnacle (!!), Journey from Mariabronn, The Wall, Miracles out of Nowhere, Hopelessly Human (!!), Relentless, Hold On, Curtain of Iron, Crossfire...for starters. As far as I'm concerned, any song by Kerry Livgren is a great song!

[@catholicdad]

@@8KilgoreTrout4 Lonely Street, No Room for a Stranger, Incommudro: Hymn to the Atman, Hopelessly Human, Questions of My Childhood, Cheyenne Anthem, Lonely Wind. Got some I can't stand too: I Can Fly, Black Fathom 4--but I even need to hear those sometimes.

[@alaskatoburningmen4549]

In many instances people use the word underrated, incorrectly. This is not one of them.

[@brianruyack7632]

I'm from their hometown of Topeka, and saw them twice in Kansas with Steve Walsh. Nothing better!

[@matthewweng8483]

I remember the first time I saw the ‘Point of Know Return’ album cover - I was a kid and my teenage cousin had the LP… I just held it and stared at it while we played the album over and over… Kansas is fantastic.

[@alaskatoburningmen4549]

I , too, stared at in 1977 (as a 7 year old).It was a bit scary kind of. The band member pics ( inside) were also mesmerizing (and a bit weird) i remember. :)

[@pinkfreud62]

I was into water color painting and doing that cover was one I enjoyed doing. Wish I still had it.@@alaskatoburningmen4549

[@craigwillms61]

If you ever get a chance to watch "Miracles Out of Nowhere" do it. Not only will you be impressed by their music, you'll be stunned at how humble these guys were. They were never stereotypical spoiled rock star prima donnas. Love this band!!!!!!

[@mtradz]

Craig Willims, yes I watched it and they portrayed themselves exactly as they wanted us to see them. Interesting how they left out all the drug abuse that went in and out with some members of the band

[@christo4982]

@@mtradz what little there was, was in moderation. it had no influence on writing or performing etc. Totally irrelevant. i can tell you. I have ben around the band before and after shows etc and there was absolutely no evidence.

[@mtradz]

@@christo4982 Moderation?? 😂 Irrelevant? 😆 Tell that to Robbie Steinhardt and Steve Walsh who were a couple of the biggest abusers. Of course it had no effect on the writing since Kerry Livgren wrote all of their biggest hits and was into spirituality and finally settled into Christianity. No effect on performing you say 🤣 I guess you haven't seen that Kansas Live at the Whiskey video. If you can't tell that Steve is blasted on cocaine I suggest you get your eyes and ears checked. What you say is probably true in the early years before they started making the big money. I have seen them since their very first tour and every tour after. The Kansas of the 1970's is not the Kansas of today.. but nothing great last forever 😔

[@thebiddler6907]

@@mtradz You are absolutely right about Steve at the Whiskey show. My husband was there and he said Walsh was off his ASS on cocaine the whole time. He thought it would make him sound better and it did NOT.

[@baneverything5580]

I love the song Miracles Out Of Nowhere too. Very hard to sing but great practice.

[@berserkerkonge8095]

Smoked my first joint to dust in the wind while driving to college at KU in 1980. Like it was 4min. And 20 sec. Ago.

[@mac11380]

Maybe you are really high and are still there and all this has been a pipe dream.

[@berserkerkonge8095]

@@mac11380 if only

[@clemclemson9259]

you tube is gonna take your comment down! they are as woke as the R&R Hall of fame

[@berserkerkonge8095]

@@clemclemson9259 really? You would think within the past 3 years it would've happened already. Unless you plan on making a legal statement a problem?

[@clemclemson9259]

dude I couldn't care less - I just see what they do with comments @@berserkerkonge8095 but how is this a legal statement? "Smoked my first joint to dust in the wind while driving to college at KU in 1980."

[@kevinflick5314]

The R&R hall of fame does not always represent the musical opinions of the majority of music fans & musicians. Kansas is 1 of the most unique,creative & successful bands of alltime

[@carolk5770]

Kevin..I agree with you! Usually thing like being passed up, like Foreigner for instance, is because someone threw some screws in the works at the Hall of Fame. In Lou Gramm’s memoirs (great book!!), he says that Mick Jones, the owner of the group, went to the Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio & screamed at the CEO there & demanded to be inducted. They kicked him out & said “You’ll never get inducted here, I promise you.” And I’m still waiting for them to get in. I loved them too. But Lou swears they’ll never get in cause of that. It’s always someone demanding something..

[@bobmurray6697]

R&R HOF is so tarnished and politicized I wouldn’t walk across the street to go there. The mere mention of that place pisses me off.

[@kevinflick5314]

I agree

[@clemclemson9259]

HOF is a political JOKE @@carolk5770

[@ZaneDalton]

This is awesome! I love Kansas!!

[@carolk5770]

I did too Zane!!! ♥️

[@bubbles3161]

When have you ever been to Kansas

[@patmontgomery8607]

I have been a Kansas fan my entire life. Best band ever for deep thought lyrics. Growing up in south Saint Joseph MO l am very familiar with Steve Walsh and his history. If I remember correctly he was actively involved with the Catholic Church in our part of town and graduated from Christian Brothers high school. You have may incorrect information on when he moved to Kansas. I have driven by his childhood home more times than I can count. The song "Are the Bells of Saint James still ringing" was written about his southside church that had awesome bells that rang out many times a day for masses. To this day their music is a wonderful dose of medicine that I enjoy almost everyday to bring me back to reality from today's crazy world. Thank you for the video. Keep rocking.....

[@christo4982]

right on Pat. Nice to know Steve was just a regular school kid under the thumb of conservative catholic discipline etc.

[@warrenrayledbetter9957]

There are film clips and photos here that I have never seen before. Thank you! It is an absolute crime that Kansas is not in the RRHOF.

[@LedBeatle-vz4ui]

Yeah, they rob a lot of great bands from being in it. That's why a lot of bands don't take it too seriously when they get in.

[@crusheverything4449]

It would be a crime if that sham institution/blatant money grab had a shred of credibility.

[@user-vq7xt7yu4i]

I have cried countless times listening to some of my favorite Kansas songs… there is something about their music and lyrics that my soul lovingly embraces ❤

[@frankderudder7290]

My first group i saw in concert in 1973 and from that day on my favorite band

[@williamjohnson9505]

I was eleven years old in 1976. I walked to the local Sears store to buy Leftoverture on 8-track tape. I finally saw the original band on the Audiovisions tour in 1981! I'm still listening.

[@travelinben1966]

A fantastic band!👏👏👏👏👏

[@carolk5770]

I saw these guys in concert in a small hall in Pennsylvania. They were so great. A little after halfway through, smoke came up from the wooden floorboards & everyone was evacuated due to a small fire in the basement. It didn’t even make the news!!!!!

[@NellieKAdaba]

Wow

[@rikpontician8499]

Saw them open for BTO at the Allentown Fair and then again at the fair for their Leftoverture tour in the mid 1970's.

[@NellieKAdaba]

@@rikpontician8499 Excellent

[@imannonymous7707]

That's why I've always called them a smokin band

[@markhunter8554]

I saw them in 1981, last tour with the original line-up.

[@nick-un9pk]

White Clover played our High School homecoming dance in 1971 at Glasco. I was a freshman. Kansas played at DJ's in Concordia many times.

[@DanaWebb2017]

I remember when Masque came out, wore the vinyl out on that album.

[@jackzimmer6553]

Mysteries and Mayhem is a classic!

[@clemclemson9259]

GREAT album

[@bryansonnet2454]

My first Kansas show was at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia MD. a outdoor venue to see the "Point of no Return" tour. That was a intense and incredible concert, finishing the night with Magnum Opus!!! Really a wonderful night of the music of Kansas, The next time was in the Spectrum in Phili. for the "Monolith" tour. Another fantastic concert that I will always cherish. So blessed to see America's Greatest Prog rock band KANSAS !

[@imannonymous7707]

Steve Walsh voice rang like a clarion bell over lush symphonic like rocknroll arrangements

[@scientificdevil4672]

I've always thought of his voice as a finely tuned.violin. Sweet, powerful, smooth and he didn't miss a note. He was the best!

[@bobmurray6697]

Probably my favorite singer. Just incredible range

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

I still dream that either Steve Walsh or Lou Gramm might consider teaching voice. Hey, I can dream. Can't I? Lol!! I find them very similar with that operatic sound.

[@crusheverything4449]

@@VIDEOHEREBOB - Those two guys, the late, great Ronnie James Dio, Tommy Shaw and Lennon & McCartney taught me how to sing, although they were completely unaware of that.

[@scientificdevil4672]

@@VIDEOHEREBOB Steve Walsh did teach. He was at my house everyday!! That is on stereo anyway. I practiced him for many years. Others too but Walsh was sang the.most. He is the best

[@4rah46]

Kansas will always hold a place of reverence for shaping how music could make me feel. 70's Prog Rock set the bar very high for every genre to follow

[@christiancazabonne]

I'm Kansas' fan from Venezuela, I saw them in concert for the first and only time in Madrid, Spain, in 2010, it was amazing!

[@pablojose4890]

They deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

[@clemclemson9259]

they are better than that = the HOF is a political JOKE

[@rosedolch8637]

I can't believe they are not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!!

[@sonicaudio777]

too Christian for it most likely .. they are in mine

[@rosedolch8637]

@@sonicaudio777 awww :( hug

[@user-zl3xs1cf8x]

The band Survivor has never been inducted either. I love Kansas and Survivor who was a phenomenal band, lead singer Jimi Jamison who died in 2014 at age 63 had a powerhouse voice. Both of these great bands deserve to be inducted into the music hall of fame...

[@clemclemson9259]

sorry but Kansas was /Is Light years beyond Survivor bro - there is no comparison@@user-zl3xs1cf8x

[@jcsolomon6470]

❤ People of the Southwind!I play this and Jamm to It All of the Time!My Favorite!

[@jwilburn4712]

As a native of Kansas I have long been an avid proponent to replace "Home on the Range" for "Carry on Thy Wayward Son" as the official state song

[@theswordofaces1222]

J. Wilburn-"THY???"

[@TheQakman]

@@theswordofaces1222 That’s the Amish version.

[@crusheverything4449]

@@TheQakman - I vote for Thus In The Wind.

[@jasonbean591]

I saw them twice, 30 years apart. Amazing.:)

[@axceldomingo4064]

I didn't knew this Kansas band but surely some of their songs are beautiful!

[@christophermotyka8744]

To integrate a violin in a rock band was and is truly genius

[@gavanhillebold3131]

Don Sugarcane Harris was the master on electric ⚡️ violin 🎻

[@baneverything5580]

I wore out MULTIPLE 8-track tapes of the album Monolith over the summers on school vacation.

[@javila6341]

Kansas made great progressive rock songs.. and amazing lyrics thanks to Kerry Livgren mainly..but Steve Walsh is an amazing singer as great as Steve Perry's voice..American Rock's best singers! Kansas sound is super creative and as great as Geneis,Yes,ELP ..Love them for life

[@bassboye8959]

Jimi Avila from albuq Nm??

[@LedBeatle-vz4ui]

Kansas is my favorite prog band. I love the other 3 you mentioned too. I got into Genesis first because I was named after Peter GABRIEL. I started listening to Kansas heavily last year and fell in love with their music very quickly. Then, about a month ago I got into Yes and ELP. The first prog band I got into was Rush, way back in 2013 (I'm pretty damn young, so I wasn't around while any of these bands was in their prime). Prog is easily my favorite genre of music.

[@crusheverything4449]

@@LedBeatle-vz4ui - I think you were born cool, man!

[@davekat4680]

1st time I saw Kansas was in 'Winterland' in around 74' warm up band for J Giles I believe. We never heard of them They blew us away .....great talent 👍

[@richards.mchardy3556]

I really loved all of their songs they danced to their own drum not the corporation

[@catholicdad]

NO DANCING ALLOWED! Kansas Concert Ahead.

[@yamahajapan5351]

Corporation? LOL. Kansas was a BUSINESS, just like all commercial bands…..

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

My first show was Kansas ... Monolith-tour. I was 9? They were awesome

[@quinnmitchel4075]

Nice. Monolith is my second fav Kansas album along with Left Overture. Too underrated of an album.

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

@@quinnmitchel4075 I actually went & gave it a listen after seeing this, for the first time since the early-80’s. Good record! I’m going to look for an original gate-fold vinyl-copy at the stores in L.A. .. The artwork is very timely if you’re hip to the Hopi-Indian prophecies. ☮️

[@quinnmitchel4075]

@@hailmaryrecordings8255 Yeh. A Glimpse of Home, On The Otherside, How My Soul Cries Out To You, and Reason to Be are great. Whole albums great. I got it on vinyl.

[@CL-fw]

@@quinnmitchel4075 Angels from Heaven

[@wesleycolemanmusic]

@@CL-fw Angels have Fallen

[@JoshMaxPower]

I'm proud to say my band learned "People Of the South Wind" and opened with it at an auditorum full of 600 kids in '79. We also did "The Wall," "Point of Know Return" as well as, of course, "Carry On." We spread the Prog gospel for about a year at that time! I also got to interview Steve Walsh in 2003, I think it was. KANSAS4EVER

[@razzle2112]

bringing it back and journey from mariabronn is a masterpiece .. that’s all i have to say

[@coolrocknroll]

Check out the original of bringing it back, written by JJ Cale.

[@scientificdevil4672]

You guys are picking from the first album I see. I want in too. How about "Bolexus"

[@razzle2112]

@@scientificdevil4672 steve walsh’s vocals on that track is so good

[@scientificdevil4672]

@@razzle2112 I love that song. The whole album kicked ass. "Bringing it back" was fun to hear. Robby Steinhart was a good singer too. Two part harmony was what they did early.on and it was great.

[@crusheverything4449]

@@scientificdevil4672 - Or how about Belexes?

[@urkoolUncle]

Their music and lyrics put me on a Spiritual Path from which I never left (starting in 1977). I remember writing a letter to Kerry thanking him for metaphysical music and a direction that literally saved my life. I received a post card back from their agent or similar rep who said 'We will pass this along'. I remember shedding tears and saying to myself, "This person doesn't realize how the music from Kansas saved my life!!!!" (Today, it's a matter of sending an email to a specific individual personally. LOL). They were a kind-of regular in Allentown PA (at the Fairgrounds). I made sure I went to every show they put on there. The original Kansas was the Real Deal: Music, Lyrics, Musicianship. I never followed the newer version. So grateful to have grown up during that time when musicians read, played, and created Music.

[@BytorandtheSnowdog]

Kansas absolutely belongs in a ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME unfortunately there is no real credible rock and roll hall of fame.

[@urkoolUncle]

Truth.

[@whatizreality0124]

The 70s and 80s " radio friendly " music was EPIC . It slowly degraded to the absolute bottom of what we have now .

[@josierizo2192]

I like the group of Kansas they have a good music I'm very proud for them

[@davidqueen9682]

Kansas is too Damn Good for the Rock and Roll Hall of SHAME!!!!!!!!!!

[@clemclemson9259]

the place is a political JOKE f Em

[@katherineskrzynecki3347]

They truly were an AWESOME Band!! They were GR8 in concert!!

[@jimdobbs3366]

My band actually opened for Kansas in Joliet Illinois in 1994. Steve Walsh hated us. LoL. Did you forget about the John Elefante years of Kansas? A couple of really good albums there as well.

[@thebiddler6907]

Wait...What was the name of your band?

[@LedBeatle-vz4ui]

Yeah, what was your band's name dude? I lived in Joliet for a while, but I wasn't born at that time yet.

[@crusheverything4449]

You’re the first person I’ve ever known who thinks Drastic Measures is “a really good album”.

[@mrzee1958]

@@LedBeatle-vz4ui I grew up in Joliet and my cousin (Mark Anthony) was the lead singer of a band who went to Minneapolis and almost made it big in the early 80's named Chameleon.

[@crusheverything4449]

@Oleg Svensson - The Beach Boy.

[@halcyon289]

An honest , well researched appraisal . Much more could've been said .....With Kansas , behind the scenes , I'm always reminded of the great Johnny Nash song ; There Are More Questions Than Answers.

[@dellcoats4648]

Kansas has been my favorite band

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

The last comment is the most surprising thing that you said! Great video.

[@sdne1959]

. Was lucky enough to see Kansas back on November 3, 1980 (at the (then) Milwaukee Arena), and sat in the best seats I've ever been able to get for myself (6th row, just off to the side) for any concert. The only show I've had better seats for, AMAZINGLY, was McCartney at Soldier Field, July 29, 1990 (SECOND ROW !! (but only because my brother worked for a Milwaukee entertainment group at that time, and was able to get the tickets for us)) !! To this day, still a HUGE Kansas fan, and love the fact that they left a legacy of GREAT music for all of us to enjoy! However, STILL waiting for the day when I finally run into another big-time Kansas fan again, which I've not done since WAY back in the day......many people (of course) remember the band, and even say they "like" them, but TRUE fans SEEM few and far between these days, and, for whatever reason, VERY hard to come by.... .

[@bikerhighmiler8998]

First time 1975..edinboro, pa.awesome!

[@katesjanice]

Mark. I'm right here. There is not a bigger Kansas fan on the face of the earth! If I had to pick the greatest rock artist of all time, it would be Kerry Livgren by a country mile. An outstanding composer, orchestrator, lyricist, and multi-instrumentalist, he was the heart & soul of Kansas, AD, Proto-Kaw, and a killer solo artist. My dream is to meet him some day. The world will be a much sadder place without him. ❤️

[@sdne1959]

@@katesjanice . VERY glad to know there's still others out there !! :-) .

[@johnoksys7713]

Keep up the good work 👍👍 I love this group

[@doreenbierens]

Wayward Son is popular again because of Supernatural. Just love that song.

[@TH3F4LC0Nx]

These guys were actually a cut above the other prog rock bands of the 70's, like Styx. Dust in the Wind is still awesome today!

[@adrithgor7551]

They were millions of levels below British prog

[@rossb.4773]

@@adrithgor7551 not totally true in most cases....

[@devodavis6747]

@@adrithgor7551 subjective, and a matter of opinion.

[@adrithgor7551]

@@devodavis6747 Music isn't only subjective There's objective values in music

[@theswordofaces1222]

I don't think I would consider Styx to be prog.

[@SmokeyTreats]

Walsh didn't move to Kansas when he was 12. He was a senior at my HS when I was a freshman @ Central High in St. Joe, Mo.

[@Briguy1027]

Whoa, no idea why they aren't in the Rock and Roll hall of fame.

[@clemclemson9259]

Politics

[@robinhirst938]

Kansas continued for two full albums after Steve left. Different lead singer. ( John Elefante ). That version of Kansas ended with Kerry Livgren leaving. Walsh returned ( Elefante left too ) and Kansas continued. The band didn't stop making music.

[@clifthorburn776]

The many iterations of Kansas over time. My cousin was a guitar player who went to Topeka West HS at the same time. He knw these guys and I would go up from Manhattan on weekends to hang out and met them. Funny twist was years later my cousin became a territory manager for Sparrow Records which was the label Kerry Livggren, Dave Hope, and John Elefante were handled by. My cousin reconnected with Kerry while on a company cruise. Kerry settled back ito the area living just south of Topeka and has some very musically talented children. The sad art was a few years ago he eperienced a stroke which affeted his ability to play guitar anymore. Funny too now without Walsh the band's leads are handled by the former lead singer of another regional band out of Kansas City, Shooting Star. So far he fits in pretty well.

[@zippypinhead1583]

Chasing Shadows...brilliant

[@bonesjackson81]

Screw RRHOF. That joint is a joke.

[@scientificdevil4672]

@Oleg Svensson You are absolutely right!

[@dgcmusi]

The genius of Kerry Livgren...

[@stevenfranks3131]

"All we are is dust in the wind...."

[@NellieKAdaba]

Love that song

[@scottrichards9674]

Indeed that we are

[@ronaldgarrison8478]

All we are is dust and that wind.

[@alwaysinprayer900]

Just listened to that...✨✨✨🙏

[@michaeljones9301]

Dude.

[@gabeeaglesland1378]

One of my top 5 bands, I’m 64, their first 5 albums were the best… seen em in 2022 they’re done, but God bless em …

[@garrieclark24]

RIP my man....

[@timmac9985]

this is great... thank you

[@lovett1200]

Saw them 2 years ago in Wichita...not just a studio band... they sounded better live than I could have imagined ...if you go see them live you will get your moneys worth...

[@jimgsewell]

That’s good to hear. Their live album, was not very good. The tempo was slowed down, like it should have been played at 36 RPM instead of 331/3 RPM. Made me sad, because I sure love their studio work. I’m glad they got it figured out.

[@danielhayes7967]

Monolith is an awesome album.

[@1359401]

I agree and its criminally underated amongst most fans- its probably my favorite of theirs

[@SelectCircle]

Definitely a band to reckon with - forever.

[@user-zb2sn1mk5y]

I was Kansas in the early 70s. First album. Then I just saw them in Milwaukee not long ago. Awesome. Band members come and go, but the music lives in infamy.

[@anniebell4386]

I got to see them and they put on a fantastic show

[@elwhastrummer]

I can still remember the "ka chunk" in the middle of couple songs on Leftoverture 8 track tape. I finally broke down and bought the 33, but back then 8 tracks were what you listened to when cruising around, until I finally saved up enough dough to by a Pioneer Super Tuner II. It had a cassette player(no auto reverse).

[@ralphyetmore]

Influenced by King Crimson? Eh. Maybe? Listen to Gentle Giant's "The Power and The Glory" and Kansas "Masque". You decide.

[@rickyon]

Kansas was definitely into and influenced by Gentle Giant.

[@craigwillms61]

without a doubt!

[@theswordofaces1222]

ralphyetmore-Read Kerry Livgren's book "Seeds of Change." He goes into great detail about his/Kansas's influences.

[@LeenieVibes]

Maybe should have mentioned that Carry on Wayward Son was the theme song of a long-successful television series: Supernatural. Worth the mention!

[@richardwalker9826]

didn't know that - thanks just thought i'd mention that KANSAS also did a remake of the Beatles Eleanor Rigby that i like, and it shows that they put everything they have into every performance

[@katherineskrzynecki3347]

Yeah, Supernatural had some Gr8 tunes on there...

[@llfeforce9484]

The Best live concert I've ever seen was Kansas with Steve Walsh on vocals... The second best concert I've ever seen Was Kansas with John Elefante on vocals

[@crusheverything4449]

*Elefante

[@mrzee1958]

@@crusheverything4449 And John Elefante STILL has his pipes! I have a friend that currently plays keyboard for hi on gigs! Not many can still sing well at age 62

[@mrzee1958]

him

[@crusheverything4449]

@@mrzee1958 - Yeah, John can still sing his ass off! Kansas asked him to replace Steve Walsh again when Steve was retiring, but John declined. Too bad because he smokes Ronnie Platt.

[@mrzee1958]

@@crusheverything4449 yes he does!!!!

[@timelkins3537]

Actually they have two 6X Platinum albums (Leftoverture and Point of Know Return), 1 Platinum album (Monolith), 4 Gold albums, 1 Platinum live album (Two for the Show), two singles that both have sold over a million units. I probably don’t have to tell you what songs those are.😉

[@scottprentice6686]

I was totally down with this video until they just blew off the time in the early 80’s with John Elfante on lead vocals. Drastic Measures is a very good album as well as vinyl confessions. They was this was does was as if that time period didn’t exist. I’m a huge Kanas fan and feel that shouldn’t have been purposely overlooked.

[@mikenuyen4441]

Point of No Return was the first album I bought when I purchased my first stereo system. The systems back then were seperate components with huge speakers and deep bass...

[@jimgsewell]

Great album. Did you have 10" or 12" bass speakers? LOL

[@mikenuyen4441]

@@jimgsewell Don't remember, that was late 1977.

[@crusheverything4449]

* Know

[@scottprentice6686]

Interesting video though not completely accurate. Also, they completely skipped over the 2 records that John Elfante sang on. I’m a huge Kansas fan and love all of their stuff and know quite a bit about the band. This wasn’t awful but could have been a bit better

[@crusheverything4449]

Yeah, they didn’t break up when Steve left in ‘81, they recruited John Elefante and recorded two more albums, the second of which, Drastic Measures, was the first without violinist/vocalist, Robby Steinhardt, who unfortunately passed away on July 17. R.I.P. to a true original.

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

How Kansas is yet to be in the R&RHOF is mind boggling.

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

@Briana Ankels Reminds me of my beyond horrific experience selling on Amazon. They are a joke as well. Sorry, had to get that out.

[@brocconefius]

They didn't broke up when Steve Walsh left in the early eighties, he was replaced by John Elefante and recorded two albums "Vinyl Confessions" and "Drastic Measures"

[@scottrichards9674]

I actually named my facebook paranormal investigation's page after them and my mom that passed away loved the song dust in the wind, so I named it dust in the wind paranormal investigation's here in knoxville tn.

[@carolk5770]

Such a great idea, Scott!! I love that! ♥️

[@scottrichards9674]

@@carolk5770 thank you very much ❤️👻👻

[@josephechevarria1025]

Interesting how they just brush over the period that included the Elefante brothers as if that didn't happen. It was still Kansas, toured as Kansas, had only lost Steve Walsh, and added Warren Ham as an amazing BGV harmonica, flute and sax player. (I think some keys too) I think this was the last period that featured Kerry Livgren. Washed right over it. It was kind of like watching the Behind the Music on Journey, when Steve Smith is never even mentioned, though is musical presence is undeniable. Take two?

[@kaybee4143]

Play "Magnum Opus" to someone who's only heard "Dust in the wind". First Reaction Videos. Episode #1.

[@impalaman9707]

That's nothing--try "Song For America"!

[@tmorrow73]

Magnum ops was my beginning of ditching the same ol crowd

[@robertbennett9063]

Jaw-dropping, epic musicianship. The boys at the top of their game.

[@gusthomas]

I saw them open for Jefferson Starship mid 70s. They were way way better than Starship could have ever hoped to be.

[@kathyboxx3678]

Me, too. Same lineup. 1975 or '76.

[@todddale7041]

Kansas: greatest band ever!

[@eparg8059]

"Two for the Show" , for me the best live album ever made. Deserves to be put on the Voyager Gold Plate,the bottle into the cosmic ocean launched in 1977,and transfered as deep and far as possible into the universe.

[@jeffking887]

I wore the groove off of that record, trying to pull the guitar licks off by ear

[@pip12111]

Be careful man. Robert Fripp might sue you for showing clips of King Crimson that did not include him.

[@martinkulkarni3569]

Why I have never been attracted to their music. Arrogance.

[@teeeee7080]

Best voice ever!

[@funkyhoff]

Steve Walsh moved to St Joseph MO when he was 12. Graduated from Christian Brothers HS in 1969. Then moved to Kansas.

[@ehrldawg]

1) A young and unknown *Ronnie James Dio* did vocal work on ,a very evangelistic,song on the *Seeds Of Change* album. 2) The Elaphante Brothers created the Christian label *Pakaderm Records*. They also produced *Petras* most successful years.

[@theswordofaces1222]

Dio wasn't that unknown. He had already done about 3-5 albums with the band Elf at around the same time Kansas was coming up. Then in the second half of the '70s, he was a founding member of Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow. After that he joined Black Sabbath, and they recorded the Heaven and Hell album. This was right around the same time that he was asked to sing on Kerry Livgren's album.

[@ehrldawg]

@@theswordofaces1222 Oh, I had read,many many moons ago,that he was still a struggeling singer. Thanx for setting the record straight. I still think its cool Livgren got Dio to sing those songs.

[@robertashton8069]

Sadly, it was issues of faith that caused the split between the two great creative engines, Livgren and Walsh. We all must go our own ways, but it is regrettable that a song as majestic as "Cheyenne Anthem" could could have caused that. They were better as a team.

[@crusheverything4449]

@@robertashton8069 - Cheyenne Anthem didn’t have a thing to do with Walsh’s split from Kansas.

[@jake6887]

Kansas is also a state in the USA

[@stupendous1068]

Sunflower State.

[@rongates7766]

They played at my Junior high dance when they were white clover

[@williamhorton9763]

Were they any good?

[@logansfury]

Kansas and many other classic Rock bands still await their induction into the so-called "Rock & Roll" Hall of Fame while young hip-hop artists are being inducted left and right year after year. This is why no one in the industry takes that organization seriously, and why so many recording artists have gone on record saying "Fuck the hall of fame.".

[@shanebullock5005]

Best American Prog band

[@Patton507]

Once you take a look at many of the members of the RRHOF, who would want to be in there now?

[@barrydutton9056]

Kansas did not break up in 1981 when Steve Walsh left. John Elefante replaced Walsh for two albums. Then they broke up and reformed for power with Steve Walsh's return and the addition of Steve Morse on guitar.

[@Augirl78]

Kansas and heart, first concert. Ruined for life. So good!!! Ann and steve are my favorite vocalists.

[@Cyberfender1]

wow! Trying covering "Song For America" in your bar band! ONE of a kind band! Gives the brits a run for their money.(70's) Steve Walsh one of my fav singers. Musicianship para none! Love the lyrics. Heck, John Elephante is really, really good!

[@harrynewiss4630]

Yes except we had a dozen or more bands this good, you only really had these guys (good as they were) and BoC. Zappa at a pinch.

[@brucechavez9535]

I was blessed to saw them live in concert in 2012 inside Naval Air Station, Little Creek, Virginia. It was actually a free concert they provided to honor military veterans...😅😊