Kansas (band)

Kansas is a 1970s American rock and roll band, specializing in progressive rock with a distinctly American flavor. In spite of a harsh critical reception then and now, Kansas has remained a classic rock radio staple.

Origins

Dave Hope (bass), Phil Ehart (drums), and Kerry Livgren (guitar, and later keyboards) formed a progressive rock group named Kansas in 1969 in their hometown of Topeka, Kansas, along with vocalist Lynn Meredith from Manhattan, Kansas, keyboardist Don Montre, keyboardist Dan Wright, and saxophonist Larry Baker. This was the first lineup of Kansas and lasted until 1970, when Ehart left for England. Fans refer to this lineup as Kansas I.

Related Topics:
Dave Hope - Phil Ehart - Kerry Livgren - Topeka, Kansas - Lynn Meredith - Manhattan - Kansas - Don Montre - Dan Wright - Larry Baker

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Ehart was replaced by Zeke Lowe and later Brad Wright. Hope was replaced by Rod Mikinski on bass, and Baker was replaced by John Bolton on saxophone and flute. Fans refer to this lineup as Kansas II.

Related Topics:
Zeke Lowe - Brad Wright - Rod Mikinski - John Bolton

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In the meantime, Ehart and Hope formed a group called White Clover with Robby Steinhardt (violin), Steve Walsh (keyboards, vocals) and Rich Williams (guitar). They changed their name to Kansas when they recruited Livgren from the second Kansas group, which then folded. Kansas III soon received a record deal with Don Kirshner's eponymous label, and they recorded the first Kansas album shortly thereafter.

Related Topics:
Robby Steinhardt - Steve Walsh - Rich Williams - Don Kirshner

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