Kerry Livgren
Encyclopedia
Kerry Allen Livgren is an American
musician
and songwriter
, best known as one of the founding members and primary songwriters for the 1970s progressive rock
band, Kansas
.
by his father, Allen Leroy, an industrial engineer, and his mother, Betty (nee
McElhiney). He was drawn to music at a young age, his first musical interests developed with classical and jazz influences. His musical odyssey started with an electric guitar he built using a cheap Stella guitar, a Sears amplifier and a low-quality Astatic microphone. Along with learning guitar, Livgren also focused on learning to write songs due to his desire for more creative expression and originality. He attended Washburn University
for some time.
Livgren formed his first band, the Gimlets, with several close friends in high school including John Pribble, drums, Scott Kessler, bass, Tim Strauss, guitar, and Dan Wright keyboards. They soon found themselves booked after school and on weekends throughout Kansas and neighboring Missouri, where they played their original compositions, which were a blend of pop, English and psychedelic rock. After graduating from Topeka West High School in 1967, Livgren continued to perform with the Gimlets through college before joining a predominantly black mainstream rhythm and blues band named the Mellotones, in which he met keyboard player Don Montre in 1969.
Forming a deep friendship, Livgren and Montre decided to leave the Mellotones and join the more commercially viable band The Reasons Why
, which included Lynn Meredith
and Wright. Though this band was doing well financially, Livgren became frustrated because of his desire for more creative expression, and he and Montre decided to start their own band. They briefly reformed the Gimlets with former members Scott Kessler and Wright along with several new members. A short time later, they renamed the band Saratoga after the name on the pencil that Livgren was using to write songs. Saratoga included Meredith, Montre, Wright, Livgren, Phil Ehart
and Dave Hope
.
In 1970, Livgren and Ehart decided to form a new group by combining the best members from Saratoga and Phil's band White Clover
(which included Steve Walsh
, Rich Williams
, Hope and Jeff Glixman
). While Livgren and Ehart were discussing what to call the new band, Hope walked in on the conversation and suggested they call themselves Kansas. This version of Kansas (referred to as "Kansas I" by fans) was known for its complex musical arrangements and originality, but this lineup lasted for only one year.
In 1971, Ehart and Hope left the group, and Livgren reworked the band and continued it under the name Kansas. (This group later became known by fans as Kansas II and is the lineup that reformed decades later as Proto-Kaw
). Kansas II continued to perform Livgren's original works that fused experimental rock with psychedelia and jazz. During this time, Kansas II recorded a demo cassette that was released commercially 30 years later. Kansas II generated a loyal fan following, and the built-in audience helped the band secure concert bookings. However, financial problems plagued the band, and after a record deal with Jefferson Airplane
's label failed to materialize and an old school bus broke down while the band was on the road touring, the band dissolved in 1973.
Shortly afterward, Livgren was invited by Ehart to join the reformed White Clover, which also included vocalist Walsh, violinist Robby Steinhardt
, bassist Hope, guitarist Williams and Ehart on drums. Prior to Livgren's joining the band, White Clover had sent out a five-song demo tape, which Don Kirshner
was interested in for his new label. As part of the effort to sign with Kirshner, the players soon renamed themselves Kansas
, becoming the third, and eventually the best-known, lineup to use this name.
was under pressure from Kirshner and CBS records to write a hit. Livgren and the band realized it was their last chance. Due to Walsh experiencing writer's block, Livgren wrote or co-wrote all the songs for the group's fourth album, Leftoverture
. On the last day of rehearsal for the new album, Livgren brought the band one more song, which they performed once before heading to the studio. The song, "Carry On Wayward Son
", became Kansas' first hit, reaching #11.
Riding the success of Leftoverture
, Livgren wrote "Dust in the Wind
" for the Point of Know Return
album. Like "Carry On Wayward Son," "Dust in the Wind" was added to the album at the last minute. Livgren said the song was an acoustic guitar warmup. While playing it one day at home when his wife was doing laundry, she told him he should put it on the album. Since the album at that point had extra time available, he presented the song to the band and it was included. It became their highest charting single, reaching #6.
In early 1979, Livgren became interested in The Urantia Book
, a series of papers that claim to be a revelation authored by supernatural beings. Its influence can be felt in the lyrics of Kansas' 1979 album Monolith. Livgren subsequently rejected Urantia doctrine, and while on tour with the band in support of Monolith, he converted to Christianity
. This was a result of a series of debates in the back of the tour bus with Jeff Pollard of Louisiana's Le Roux
, the opening act for Kansas during the tour. The discussions between Livgren and Pollard concerned whether the Bible
or the Urantia Book was the accurate record of the life of Jesus Christ. Because of the debates, Livgren became convinced that the Bible was the genuine record of Christ and that he had been mistaken in following the teachings of the Urantia Book. After a private hotel room conversion experience, he became an evangelical Christian.
In 1980, Livgren released his first solo album, Seeds of Change
. The album features several members of Kansas, along with Ambrosia
singer David Pack
and noted heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio
, who sang on the tracks "To Live For The King" and "Mask Of The Great Deceiver." Dio, who was between stints as singer for Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow
and Black Sabbath
, later proved somewhat controversial among Livgren's evangelical Christian fans, as Black Sabbath and Dio were then perceived as "satanic" by many Christians. Dio said in an interview that he did not consider the album to be a "Christian" album and had performed on it as a favor to Livgren. After Dio left Black Sabbath in 1983, he said in a summer 1983 interview in Hit Parader
magazine that he had considered working with Livgren again.
Livgren recorded three more albums with Kansas. However, tension was growing among the band members as a result of the increasingly blatant Christian perspective of his lyrics; he was increasingly dissatisfied with the band's musical direction (at least in part due to his newfound faith); and Steinhart left the band. This led to Livgren's exit from Kansas in 1983.
Livgren has continued to appear occasionally with Kansas on various tours since the 1990s and contributed new songs to The Kansas Boxed Set
in 1994 ("Wheels") and to Freaks of Nature
in 1995 ("Cold Grey Morning"). In 2000, the original and current members of Kansas reunited at Livgren's studio to record a new album written entirely by Livgren, titled Somewhere to Elsewhere
. Though the album received very favorable reviews, sales were not comparable to Kansas' past successes.
, Michael Gleason and drummer Dennis Holt. By the end of the recording sessions, the session musicians had jelled, and he decided to name the group AD
.
Due to legal entanglements caused by his contractual obligations with Kansas, Livgren was unable to market AD in the mainstream secular market. After negotiating with the record label, he received a waiver to perform with AD in the Christian rock
market. Unfortunately, this would become a hindrance to commercial viability for the band. AD toured extensively between 1983 and 1986, sometimes playing bars and clubs one night and then churches the next. Livgren has stated on several occasions that he experienced some of the highest and lowest points in his career during his time with AD. Livgren mentions in his book Seeds of Change: The Spiritual Quest of Kerry Livgren that his time playing live with AD was his best as a guitarist.
AD released Art of the State in 1985. Due to financial difficulties, AD faded away in 1986 after releasing the album Reconstructions, though no official breakup was announced. In 1988, Livgren released a collection of previously unreleased AD songs titled Prime Mover. Livgren played all instruments, and all vocals were performed by Ham.
In 1997, Livgren rediscovered recordings of two AD performances from 1984 and 1985 that had been recorded by the soundboard engineer. Though they had not been made for release, Livgren remastered them and released them as a "thank you" to fans on a CD-R title called AD Live. The performances include mistakes and technical problems left intact and is meant as an archival release.
Livgren then released a double-CD retrospective celebrating 10 years since his first solo recording titled Decade. It included Livgren's first two albums, Seeds of Change
and Time Line, in their entirety plus tracks from other albums and previously unreleased songs. Enthusiasts of Livgren's music continue to hold this album in high regard, making it very hard to find.
In 1994, after moving back to Topeka, Kansas, Livgren created GrandyZine (presumably a wordplay of the phrase "grand design") production company and Numavox Records. He converted a restored barn on his farm into a state-of-the-art recording and production facility.
In 1995, Livgren released his next solo album, When Things Get Electric, on his new label. In 1996, he released his first soundtrack for Sony
's fourth Mind's Eye
computer animation feature titled Odyssey Into the Mind's Eye. In 1998, Livgren mostly re-recorded the album Prime Mover and added five new songs and a new version of "Fair Exchange" from the Kansas
album Vinyl Confessions
to the reissue, Prime Mover II. (He reworked and reissued the album again in 2008 as Prime Mover (Redux).)
In 2000, Livgren released Collector's Sedition, featuring several vocalists including his nephew, Jake Livgren. At this time, Kerry Livgren was writing new songs prolifically and realized that some of them "sounded like Kansas." Kerry called up Phil Ehart and offered him the opportunity to hear the songs. This led to a reunion album with Kansas titled Somewhere to Elsewhere
, which featured the then-touring version of Kansas along with Livgren and Dave Hope, the original bassist. The album was recorded at Livgren's Grandyzine Studio in his converted barn where he performed on the album as lead guitarist and keyboardist and produced the album. This was the first time Livgren had written all the songs for a Kansas album.
Shortly after the release of Somewhere to Elsewhere
, Livgren began work on The Best of Kerry Livgren. Both retrospective and forward-looking, it contains tracks from all his solo releases and some AD tracks. The album also includes two new songs and new recordings of four older songs. Each of these new versions features the original vocalists, including Ham, Gleason and Dio.
issued a collection of material recorded by Kansas II, the early lineup that had included Livgren, Meredith, Wright, Montre, John Bolton, Rod Mikinski and Brad Schulz, calling the group Proto-Kaw
. The band then reformed under that name and released Before Became After
in 2004 on Inside Out Records.
They released their second album, The Wait of Glory
, on Jan. 31, 2006, also on Inside Out Records. Unlike Before Became After
, this work was composed of entirely new material written by Livgren as well as a live DVD of Proto-Kaw’s appearance at the 2005 NEARfest
.
On May 20, 2007, Proto-Kaw announced that band members were back in the studio working on a new album consisting of new material and reworking older songs from Livgren's solo works. The untitled album's release date was not announced.
In December 2008, Livgren announced that Proto-Kaw was no longer together due to the band members' other commitments. The CD they had been working on, when and if released, will be a solo release by Livgren with no definite release date.
In late 2010, Livgren announced that the members of Proto-Kaw had decided to finish working on the bands partially finished CD. Although he could no longer play guitar or keyboard, Livgren worked diligently with other band members to finish recording the CD and did all the mixing and post-production work at his home studio. On August 6 2011, the band had a CD release party in Kansas City for their fourth CD, entitled Forth.
, and is still in production. It has been in development for more than 20 years and features a large ensemble cast. Numerous vocal talents are being considered for the roles.
Livgren also currently teaches an adult Sunday School class at Topeka Bible Church and has posted a theological study on his Web site.
Though Livgren is known for his music, he is quick to point out that it is only one of his many pursuits. On his Web site, he quotes his biography: "I'm a family man, I have a role in my church, I'm running a record label, a studio, a production company, a farm, and I have more hobbies and interests than there are hours in the day."
" and "Dust in the Wind
", Livgren propelled the band to worldwide success and critical acclaim, with numerous gold and multi-platinum albums and more than 14 million recordings sold to date. Kansas produced eight gold albums, one platinum album, two quadruple-platinum albums, one platinum live album, and a 1 million-selling gold single, "Dust in the Wind
", according to the Kansas State Historical Society.
"Carry On Wayward Son
" has been covered by bands including Dream Theater
, Rachel Rachel
, Critical Mass
, Shryne, Yngwie J. Malmsteen
, Stryper
, and country superstars The Oak Ridge Boys
as well as continuing appearances on album soundtracks such as the movies Heroes
and Anchorman. It is also featured in the video games Guitar Hero II
, Rock Band 2
and Guitar Hero Smash Hits. The song also was used prominently in the TV series Supernatural
.
"Dust in the Wind
" has been covered by Sarah Brightman
, Gabriel & Dresden
, Christian artists Billy Smiley
and Acappella
and by New York Yankees
center fielder and aspiring jazz guitarist Bernie Williams
on his 2004 debut album The Journey Within
. It has also been referenced in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. The song was featured in a Subaru commercial in 2006 and in the film Old School
. It was also prominently featured in several episodes of the television series Highlander: The Series
. It could also be heard at the end of a 2010 Honda commercial as rendered by a marching band. In a small twist of irony, "Dust in the Wind" was also covered in 2006 by John Elefante
, Kansas' lead singer following the departure of Steve Walsh, who sang lead on the original version in 1977. The single was certified gold as a digital download by the RIAA in 2005, almost 30 years after it sold 1 million copies as a single.
Livgren's music is used by permission for the Theophilos Bible Software. The intro music is an excerpt from "And I Saw, As It Were … Konelrad" from the album One Of Several Possible Musiks. Other portions of the software use the following songs or excerpts from songs:
"All Creation Sings" from Art Of The State; "Beyond The Pale" from Time Line; "Highway To The Heart" and "No Standing" from Reconstructions; "I'll Follow You" from Prime Mover; "Just One Way" from Seeds of Change
; "Racing Away" from When Things Get Electric; and "Smoke Is Rising," "Two Thousand Down" and "When Things Get Electric" from When Things Get Electric.
Kerry Livgren is listed as a "Famous Kansan" by the Kansas State Historical Society. The platinum record awarded to him for the Kansas
album Monolith hangs in the Kansas Museum of History
. He was also honored by the Kansas State Legislature with a commendaton on April 28, 2006.
albums Rejoice
(1981), Singer Sower
(1983) and Night Light (1985).
He also plays on the Robin Crow
album Electric Cinema (1992) and contributes a guitar solo to "Long Story," a song on Neal Morse
's album Testimony (2003).
On his Web site, Livgren reported in July 2009 that he had recently contributed to the new album by former Kansas band mate John Elefante
. According to Elefante's Web site, Revolution of Mind by John Elefante and Mastedon
is to be released soon.
's radio show, Livgren identified as a "big fan" of the show and said that not all musicians are liberals.
He made his first post-stroke appearance with Kansas on January 28, 2011, when he conducted the Kansas State University Symphony Orchestra for "Dust in the Wind" during a special concert celebrating the 150th anniversary of the state of Kansas. Livgren was greeted with a prolonged standing ovation.
Compilations
Reissues/Compilations
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
musician
Musician
A musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
and songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
, best known as one of the founding members and primary songwriters for the 1970s progressive rock
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
band, Kansas
Kansas (band)
Kansas is an American rock band that became popular in the 1970s initially on Album-Oriented Rock charts, and later with hit singles such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind"...
.
Biography
Livgren was raised in Topeka, KansasTopeka, Kansas
Topeka |Kansa]]: Tó Pee Kuh) is the capital city of the U.S. state of Kansas and the county seat of Shawnee County. It is situated along the Kansas River in the central part of Shawnee County, located in northeast Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was...
by his father, Allen Leroy, an industrial engineer, and his mother, Betty (nee
Married and maiden names
A married name is the family name adopted by a person upon marriage. When a person assumes the family name of her spouse, the new name replaces the maiden name....
McElhiney). He was drawn to music at a young age, his first musical interests developed with classical and jazz influences. His musical odyssey started with an electric guitar he built using a cheap Stella guitar, a Sears amplifier and a low-quality Astatic microphone. Along with learning guitar, Livgren also focused on learning to write songs due to his desire for more creative expression and originality. He attended Washburn University
Washburn University
Washburn University is a co-educational, public institution of higher learning in Topeka, Kansas, USA. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as professional programs in law and business. Washburn has 550 faculty members, who teach more than 6,400 undergraduate students and...
for some time.
Early years, 1960s-1973
Livgren was a member of numerous bands in the late 1960s and early 1970s and quickly developed a reputation for complex compositions and poetic lyrics that explored spiritual themes. His investigations into various religions are reflected in the lyrics of his songs on Kansas' first six albums. He explored themes such as reincarnation, astral travel, apparitions, nihilism and human frailty, among others.Livgren formed his first band, the Gimlets, with several close friends in high school including John Pribble, drums, Scott Kessler, bass, Tim Strauss, guitar, and Dan Wright keyboards. They soon found themselves booked after school and on weekends throughout Kansas and neighboring Missouri, where they played their original compositions, which were a blend of pop, English and psychedelic rock. After graduating from Topeka West High School in 1967, Livgren continued to perform with the Gimlets through college before joining a predominantly black mainstream rhythm and blues band named the Mellotones, in which he met keyboard player Don Montre in 1969.
Forming a deep friendship, Livgren and Montre decided to leave the Mellotones and join the more commercially viable band The Reasons Why
Kansas (band)
Kansas is an American rock band that became popular in the 1970s initially on Album-Oriented Rock charts, and later with hit singles such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind"...
, which included Lynn Meredith
Lynn Meredith
Lynn Meredith was a founding member of Kansas .Born in Manhattan, Kansas, Meredith's roots are in rhythm and blues, later branching out into progressive rock in his late teens. Meredith formed Saratoga with Kerry Livgren, Don Montre and Dan Wright after high school, and Saratoga became the...
and Wright. Though this band was doing well financially, Livgren became frustrated because of his desire for more creative expression, and he and Montre decided to start their own band. They briefly reformed the Gimlets with former members Scott Kessler and Wright along with several new members. A short time later, they renamed the band Saratoga after the name on the pencil that Livgren was using to write songs. Saratoga included Meredith, Montre, Wright, Livgren, Phil Ehart
Phil Ehart
Phillip W. Ehart is the drummer in the rock band Kansas. He and Rich Williams are the only two members who have appeared on every Kansas album. He has also taken on the band's management responsibilities in recent years. Born in Coffeyville, Kansas on February 4, 1950, Phil took up the drums in...
and Dave Hope
Dave Hope
Dave Hope is an American bass guitarist who played with the American rock band Kansas from 1973 until the band's first split in 1983. He then started the Christian band AD with Kerry Livgren and others....
.
In 1970, Livgren and Ehart decided to form a new group by combining the best members from Saratoga and Phil's band White Clover
White clover
Trifolium repens, the white clover , is a species of clover native to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia...
(which included Steve Walsh
Steve Walsh (musician)
Steve Walsh is a singer and songwriter best known for his work as a member of the progressive rock band Kansas.-Introduction:The keyboardist/vocalist/songwriter/producer/percussionist is best known for his visionary work with Kansas...
, Rich Williams
Rich Williams
Richard Williams is the guitarist for the rock band Kansas, and has been with them since their 1974 self-titled debut album. Rich lost his right eye in a childhood fireworks accident. He wore a prosthetic eye for many years, but now wears an eye patch instead.In the beginning, Williams shared...
, Hope and Jeff Glixman
Jeff Glixman
Jeff Glixman is an American record producer. He has produced, mixed or remastered artists such as Kansas, Gary Moore, Yngwie Malmsteen, the Georgia Satellites and Black Sabbath...
). While Livgren and Ehart were discussing what to call the new band, Hope walked in on the conversation and suggested they call themselves Kansas. This version of Kansas (referred to as "Kansas I" by fans) was known for its complex musical arrangements and originality, but this lineup lasted for only one year.
In 1971, Ehart and Hope left the group, and Livgren reworked the band and continued it under the name Kansas. (This group later became known by fans as Kansas II and is the lineup that reformed decades later as Proto-Kaw
Proto-Kaw
Proto-Kaw is an American progressive rock band. Featuring Kansas guitarist Kerry Livgren, the group is a reformation of a band formed in the early seventies which served as the direct precursor to Kansas.-History:...
). Kansas II continued to perform Livgren's original works that fused experimental rock with psychedelia and jazz. During this time, Kansas II recorded a demo cassette that was released commercially 30 years later. Kansas II generated a loyal fan following, and the built-in audience helped the band secure concert bookings. However, financial problems plagued the band, and after a record deal with Jefferson Airplane
Jefferson Airplane
Jefferson Airplane was an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1965. A pioneer of the psychedelic rock movement, Jefferson Airplane was the first band from the San Francisco scene to achieve mainstream commercial and critical success....
's label failed to materialize and an old school bus broke down while the band was on the road touring, the band dissolved in 1973.
Shortly afterward, Livgren was invited by Ehart to join the reformed White Clover, which also included vocalist Walsh, violinist Robby Steinhardt
Robby Steinhardt
Robert Eugene Steinhardt is a rock violinist and singer best known for his work with the group Kansas, for which he was co-lead singer / "frontman" and emcee along with keyboardist Steve Walsh, from 1973–1982 and 1997–2006...
, bassist Hope, guitarist Williams and Ehart on drums. Prior to Livgren's joining the band, White Clover had sent out a five-song demo tape, which Don Kirshner
Don Kirshner
Don Kirshner , known as "The Man With the Golden Ear", was an American song publisher and rock producer who is best known for managing songwriting talent as well as successful pop groups, such as The Monkees, Kansas and The Archies.-Early life:Don Kirshner was born to Gilbert Kirshner, a tailor,...
was interested in for his new label. As part of the effort to sign with Kirshner, the players soon renamed themselves Kansas
Kansas (band)
Kansas is an American rock band that became popular in the 1970s initially on Album-Oriented Rock charts, and later with hit singles such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind"...
, becoming the third, and eventually the best-known, lineup to use this name.
Commercial success with Kansas, 1974-1983
After three albums in two years failed to provide them with a hit single, KansasKansas (band)
Kansas is an American rock band that became popular in the 1970s initially on Album-Oriented Rock charts, and later with hit singles such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind"...
was under pressure from Kirshner and CBS records to write a hit. Livgren and the band realized it was their last chance. Due to Walsh experiencing writer's block, Livgren wrote or co-wrote all the songs for the group's fourth album, Leftoverture
Leftoverture
Leftoverture is the fourth album by American rock band Kansas, released in 1976. The album was reissued in remastered format on CD in 2001.-Overview:...
. On the last day of rehearsal for the new album, Livgren brought the band one more song, which they performed once before heading to the studio. The song, "Carry On Wayward Son
Carry On Wayward Son
"Carry on Wayward Son" is a progressive rock single recorded by Kansas and written by Kerry Livgren for their 1976 album Leftoverture. In 1977, the song peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard pop singles chart, becoming their first Top 40 hit....
", became Kansas' first hit, reaching #11.
Riding the success of Leftoverture
Leftoverture
Leftoverture is the fourth album by American rock band Kansas, released in 1976. The album was reissued in remastered format on CD in 2001.-Overview:...
, Livgren wrote "Dust in the Wind
Dust in the Wind
"Dust in the Wind" is a song by American progressive rock band Kansas, first released on their 1977 album Point of Know Return.The song peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 the week of April 22, 1978, making it Kansas' only top ten Billboard Hot 100 charting single...
" for the Point of Know Return
Point of Know Return
Point of Know Return is the fifth album by American rock band Kansas, released in 1977. The album was reissued in remastered format on CD in 2002.The huge success of Kansas's previous effort, Leftoverture, brought a new kind of pressure...
album. Like "Carry On Wayward Son," "Dust in the Wind" was added to the album at the last minute. Livgren said the song was an acoustic guitar warmup. While playing it one day at home when his wife was doing laundry, she told him he should put it on the album. Since the album at that point had extra time available, he presented the song to the band and it was included. It became their highest charting single, reaching #6.
In early 1979, Livgren became interested in The Urantia Book
The Urantia Book
The Urantia Book is a spiritual and philosophical book that discusses God, Jesus, science, cosmology, religion, history, and destiny. It originated in Chicago, Illinois, sometime between 1924 and 1955...
, a series of papers that claim to be a revelation authored by supernatural beings. Its influence can be felt in the lyrics of Kansas' 1979 album Monolith. Livgren subsequently rejected Urantia doctrine, and while on tour with the band in support of Monolith, he converted to Christianity
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
. This was a result of a series of debates in the back of the tour bus with Jeff Pollard of Louisiana's Le Roux
Louisiana's Le Roux
Louisiana's LeRoux is a pop band founded in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA that saw its heyday from 1978-1983. Their best known songs were "Take a Ride On a Riverboat" with its 4-part a capella intro, the regional smash "New Orleans Ladies", "Nobody Said It Was Easy " , "Addicted", and "Carrie's Gone"...
, the opening act for Kansas during the tour. The discussions between Livgren and Pollard concerned whether the Bible
Bible
The Bible refers to any one of the collections of the primary religious texts of Judaism and Christianity. There is no common version of the Bible, as the individual books , their contents and their order vary among denominations...
or the Urantia Book was the accurate record of the life of Jesus Christ. Because of the debates, Livgren became convinced that the Bible was the genuine record of Christ and that he had been mistaken in following the teachings of the Urantia Book. After a private hotel room conversion experience, he became an evangelical Christian.
In 1980, Livgren released his first solo album, Seeds of Change
Seeds of Change (album)
Seeds of Change was Kerry Livgren's first solo album. Released in 1980 while he still was a member of Kansas, three other members of the band appeared as guests . In 1996, Seeds of Change was reissued through Renaissance Records with a 21:24 long interview with Livgren as a bonus track...
. The album features several members of Kansas, along with Ambrosia
Ambrosia (band)
Ambrosia is an American rock band formed in southern California in 1970. Ambrosia had five Top Forty hit singles between 1975 and 1980.-Formation and inspiration:...
singer David Pack
David Pack
David Robert Pack , is a Grammy Award Winning Artist, Producer & Music Director of Global Events. His career began as the front man, vocalist and guitarist with the rock group Ambrosia popular in the 1970s and 1980s.-Career:...
and noted heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio
Ronnie James Dio
Ronald James Padavona , better known as Ronnie James Dio, was an American heavy metal vocalist and songwriter. He performed with, amongst others, Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell, and his own band Dio, which means God in Italian. Other musical projects include the collective fundraiser...
, who sang on the tracks "To Live For The King" and "Mask Of The Great Deceiver." Dio, who was between stints as singer for Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow
Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow
Note: On the cassette version of the album, Side One features the last five tracks, while Side Two plays the first four. Also, on the case insert and on the cassette itself, "Sixteenth Century Greensleeves" is written as "Sixteen Century Greensleeves"....
and Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath are an English heavy metal band, formed in Aston, Birmingham in 1969 by Ozzy Osbourne , Tony Iommi , Geezer Butler , and Bill Ward . The band has since experienced multiple line-up changes, with Tony Iommi the only constant presence in the band through the years. A total of 22...
, later proved somewhat controversial among Livgren's evangelical Christian fans, as Black Sabbath and Dio were then perceived as "satanic" by many Christians. Dio said in an interview that he did not consider the album to be a "Christian" album and had performed on it as a favor to Livgren. After Dio left Black Sabbath in 1983, he said in a summer 1983 interview in Hit Parader
Hit Parader
Hit Parader is an American music magazine focusing on the genres of hard rock, pop, and heavy metal.The magazine was originally started as a pop song lyric magazine by Charlton Publications in 1942. Charlton sold off the magazine before the company went under in 1991...
magazine that he had considered working with Livgren again.
Livgren recorded three more albums with Kansas. However, tension was growing among the band members as a result of the increasingly blatant Christian perspective of his lyrics; he was increasingly dissatisfied with the band's musical direction (at least in part due to his newfound faith); and Steinhart left the band. This led to Livgren's exit from Kansas in 1983.
Livgren has continued to appear occasionally with Kansas on various tours since the 1990s and contributed new songs to The Kansas Boxed Set
The Kansas Boxed Set
The Kansas Boxed Set is the third compilation from the band Kansas. It was originally released in 1994, and was the band's first boxed set overview of their career, emphasizing only their progressive rock era which was bracketed by the albums Kansas in 1974 and Audio-Visions in 1980. It also...
in 1994 ("Wheels") and to Freaks of Nature
Freaks of Nature
Freaks of Nature is the 12th studio album, and 17th overall, by American rock band Kansas, released in 1995. While the band hoped that it would be a springboard to a strong comeback, the album received little attention beyond what was left of the fan base...
in 1995 ("Cold Grey Morning"). In 2000, the original and current members of Kansas reunited at Livgren's studio to record a new album written entirely by Livgren, titled Somewhere to Elsewhere
Somewhere to Elsewhere
Somewhere to Elsewhere is the 14th studio album, and 20th overall, by American rock band Kansas, released in 2000.This album marks the reunion of the band's original 1970s lineup, along with Billy Greer, who joined Kansas with Power. Kerry Livgren composed all of the album's tracks, and he sings ...
. Though the album received very favorable reviews, sales were not comparable to Kansas' past successes.
AD, 1983-1988
In 1983, after his departure from Kansas, Livgren recorded his second self-produced album for CBS, Time Line with Hope, Warren HamWarren Ham
Warren Ham is a vocalist, saxophonist, flutist from Fort Worth, Texas. During the early 70s, Warren and his brother Bill formed The HamBrothers Band and included Ira Wilkes on bass, Red Young on piano and organ and Dahrell Norris on drums. The group recorded for Texas producer Huey P. Meaux...
, Michael Gleason and drummer Dennis Holt. By the end of the recording sessions, the session musicians had jelled, and he decided to name the group AD
AD (band)
AD was a 1980s Christian rock band, featuring former Kansas members Kerry Livgren and Dave Hope, and former Bloodrock member Warren Ham sharing the lead vocal duties along with Michael Gleason.-Background:...
.
Due to legal entanglements caused by his contractual obligations with Kansas, Livgren was unable to market AD in the mainstream secular market. After negotiating with the record label, he received a waiver to perform with AD in the Christian rock
Christian rock
Christian rock is a form of rock music played by individuals and bands whose members are Christians and who often focus the lyrics on matters concerned with the Christian faith. The extent to which their lyrics are explicitly Christian varies between bands...
market. Unfortunately, this would become a hindrance to commercial viability for the band. AD toured extensively between 1983 and 1986, sometimes playing bars and clubs one night and then churches the next. Livgren has stated on several occasions that he experienced some of the highest and lowest points in his career during his time with AD. Livgren mentions in his book Seeds of Change: The Spiritual Quest of Kerry Livgren that his time playing live with AD was his best as a guitarist.
AD released Art of the State in 1985. Due to financial difficulties, AD faded away in 1986 after releasing the album Reconstructions, though no official breakup was announced. In 1988, Livgren released a collection of previously unreleased AD songs titled Prime Mover. Livgren played all instruments, and all vocals were performed by Ham.
In 1997, Livgren rediscovered recordings of two AD performances from 1984 and 1985 that had been recorded by the soundboard engineer. Though they had not been made for release, Livgren remastered them and released them as a "thank you" to fans on a CD-R title called AD Live. The performances include mistakes and technical problems left intact and is meant as an archival release.
Solo years, 1989-2000
In 1989, Livgren released his first all-instrumental album, One of Several Possible Musiks. He played all instruments on the album, which combines orchestral, jazz and rock styles. This effort won Livgren his first Dove Award for Instrumental Album of the Year.Livgren then released a double-CD retrospective celebrating 10 years since his first solo recording titled Decade. It included Livgren's first two albums, Seeds of Change
Seeds of Change (album)
Seeds of Change was Kerry Livgren's first solo album. Released in 1980 while he still was a member of Kansas, three other members of the band appeared as guests . In 1996, Seeds of Change was reissued through Renaissance Records with a 21:24 long interview with Livgren as a bonus track...
and Time Line, in their entirety plus tracks from other albums and previously unreleased songs. Enthusiasts of Livgren's music continue to hold this album in high regard, making it very hard to find.
In 1994, after moving back to Topeka, Kansas, Livgren created GrandyZine (presumably a wordplay of the phrase "grand design") production company and Numavox Records. He converted a restored barn on his farm into a state-of-the-art recording and production facility.
In 1995, Livgren released his next solo album, When Things Get Electric, on his new label. In 1996, he released his first soundtrack for Sony
Sony
, commonly referred to as Sony, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan and the world's fifth largest media conglomerate measured by revenues....
's fourth Mind's Eye
Mind's Eye (series)
The Mind's Eye series consists of several art films rendered using computer-generated imagery of varying levels of sophistication. The series began in 1990. It was produced by Steven Churchill of Odyssey Productions & Miramar Productions...
computer animation feature titled Odyssey Into the Mind's Eye. In 1998, Livgren mostly re-recorded the album Prime Mover and added five new songs and a new version of "Fair Exchange" from the Kansas
Kansas (band)
Kansas is an American rock band that became popular in the 1970s initially on Album-Oriented Rock charts, and later with hit singles such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind"...
album Vinyl Confessions
Vinyl Confessions
Vinyl Confessions is the eighth studio album, and ninth album overall, by American rock band Kansas, released in 1982 . The album was reissued in remastered format on CD in 2011.-Background:...
to the reissue, Prime Mover II. (He reworked and reissued the album again in 2008 as Prime Mover (Redux).)
In 2000, Livgren released Collector's Sedition, featuring several vocalists including his nephew, Jake Livgren. At this time, Kerry Livgren was writing new songs prolifically and realized that some of them "sounded like Kansas." Kerry called up Phil Ehart and offered him the opportunity to hear the songs. This led to a reunion album with Kansas titled Somewhere to Elsewhere
Somewhere to Elsewhere
Somewhere to Elsewhere is the 14th studio album, and 20th overall, by American rock band Kansas, released in 2000.This album marks the reunion of the band's original 1970s lineup, along with Billy Greer, who joined Kansas with Power. Kerry Livgren composed all of the album's tracks, and he sings ...
, which featured the then-touring version of Kansas along with Livgren and Dave Hope, the original bassist. The album was recorded at Livgren's Grandyzine Studio in his converted barn where he performed on the album as lead guitarist and keyboardist and produced the album. This was the first time Livgren had written all the songs for a Kansas album.
Shortly after the release of Somewhere to Elsewhere
Somewhere to Elsewhere
Somewhere to Elsewhere is the 14th studio album, and 20th overall, by American rock band Kansas, released in 2000.This album marks the reunion of the band's original 1970s lineup, along with Billy Greer, who joined Kansas with Power. Kerry Livgren composed all of the album's tracks, and he sings ...
, Livgren began work on The Best of Kerry Livgren. Both retrospective and forward-looking, it contains tracks from all his solo releases and some AD tracks. The album also includes two new songs and new recordings of four older songs. Each of these new versions features the original vocalists, including Ham, Gleason and Dio.
Proto-Kaw, 2003–present
In 2003, Cuneiform RecordsCuneiform Records
Cuneiform Records is an independent record label based in Silver Spring, Maryland.The label releases a mixture of musical styles, including progressive jazz, modern fusion music, progressive rock, the Canterbury Scene and electronic music...
issued a collection of material recorded by Kansas II, the early lineup that had included Livgren, Meredith, Wright, Montre, John Bolton, Rod Mikinski and Brad Schulz, calling the group Proto-Kaw
Proto-Kaw
Proto-Kaw is an American progressive rock band. Featuring Kansas guitarist Kerry Livgren, the group is a reformation of a band formed in the early seventies which served as the direct precursor to Kansas.-History:...
. The band then reformed under that name and released Before Became After
Before Became After
Before Became After is a reunion album from the original Kansas II lineup, under their new name of Proto-Kaw. The Special Edition contains three bonus tracks - one new original song, a live version of "Belexes", plus a “single” version of “Words of Honor”. It also includes an informative interview...
in 2004 on Inside Out Records.
They released their second album, The Wait of Glory
The Wait of Glory
The Wait of Glory is the third album from Proto-Kaw after their retrospective initial release and Debut new recording Before Became After....
, on Jan. 31, 2006, also on Inside Out Records. Unlike Before Became After
Before Became After
Before Became After is a reunion album from the original Kansas II lineup, under their new name of Proto-Kaw. The Special Edition contains three bonus tracks - one new original song, a live version of "Belexes", plus a “single” version of “Words of Honor”. It also includes an informative interview...
, this work was composed of entirely new material written by Livgren as well as a live DVD of Proto-Kaw’s appearance at the 2005 NEARfest
NEARfest
The North East Art Rock Festival, or NEARfest for short, is a multi-day event celebrating the resurgence of progressive and eclectic music in the United States and around the world. The event is held annually in early summer in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, approximately one hour north of Philadelphia...
.
On May 20, 2007, Proto-Kaw announced that band members were back in the studio working on a new album consisting of new material and reworking older songs from Livgren's solo works. The untitled album's release date was not announced.
In December 2008, Livgren announced that Proto-Kaw was no longer together due to the band members' other commitments. The CD they had been working on, when and if released, will be a solo release by Livgren with no definite release date.
In late 2010, Livgren announced that the members of Proto-Kaw had decided to finish working on the bands partially finished CD. Although he could no longer play guitar or keyboard, Livgren worked diligently with other band members to finish recording the CD and did all the mixing and post-production work at his home studio. On August 6 2011, the band had a CD release party in Kansas City for their fourth CD, entitled Forth.
Other projects
Livgren has resumed work on one of his most ambitious works to date, titled Cantata: The Resurrection of Lazarus. It is an epic, orchestral and vocal composition based on the Biblical story told in John, Chapter 11Lazarus of Bethany
Lazarus of Bethany, also known as Saint Lazarus or Lazarus of the Four Days, is the subject of a prominent miracle attributed to Jesus in the Gospel of John, in which Jesus restores him to life four days after his death...
, and is still in production. It has been in development for more than 20 years and features a large ensemble cast. Numerous vocal talents are being considered for the roles.
Livgren also currently teaches an adult Sunday School class at Topeka Bible Church and has posted a theological study on his Web site.
Though Livgren is known for his music, he is quick to point out that it is only one of his many pursuits. On his Web site, he quotes his biography: "I'm a family man, I have a role in my church, I'm running a record label, a studio, a production company, a farm, and I have more hobbies and interests than there are hours in the day."
Influence/recognition
As primary songwriter, lead guitarist and keyboard player for Kansas, having penned such hits as "Carry On Wayward SonCarry On Wayward Son
"Carry on Wayward Son" is a progressive rock single recorded by Kansas and written by Kerry Livgren for their 1976 album Leftoverture. In 1977, the song peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard pop singles chart, becoming their first Top 40 hit....
" and "Dust in the Wind
Dust in the Wind
"Dust in the Wind" is a song by American progressive rock band Kansas, first released on their 1977 album Point of Know Return.The song peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 the week of April 22, 1978, making it Kansas' only top ten Billboard Hot 100 charting single...
", Livgren propelled the band to worldwide success and critical acclaim, with numerous gold and multi-platinum albums and more than 14 million recordings sold to date. Kansas produced eight gold albums, one platinum album, two quadruple-platinum albums, one platinum live album, and a 1 million-selling gold single, "Dust in the Wind
Dust in the Wind
"Dust in the Wind" is a song by American progressive rock band Kansas, first released on their 1977 album Point of Know Return.The song peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 the week of April 22, 1978, making it Kansas' only top ten Billboard Hot 100 charting single...
", according to the Kansas State Historical Society.
"Carry On Wayward Son
Carry On Wayward Son
"Carry on Wayward Son" is a progressive rock single recorded by Kansas and written by Kerry Livgren for their 1976 album Leftoverture. In 1977, the song peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard pop singles chart, becoming their first Top 40 hit....
" has been covered by bands including Dream Theater
Dream Theater
Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Petrucci, John Myung, and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts. They subsequently dropped out of their studies to further concentrate on the band that would...
, Rachel Rachel
Rachel Rachel (band)
Rachel Rachel was a Contemporary Christian Rock musical group that was active in the early 1990s. The AOR group is best known as the first American female Christian rock group in the history of CCM. Members included Cheryl Jewell , Heli Sterner , Brynn Beltran , Jennifer York , and Jennifer...
, Critical Mass
Critical Mass (Catholic rock)
Critical Mass is a Christian rock band from the Waterloo Region of Ontario, Canada. The band is heavily influenced by its Catholic roots. They have produced and released five albums over their decade-long existence...
, Shryne, Yngwie J. Malmsteen
Yngwie J. Malmsteen
Yngwie Johann Malmsteen is a Swedish guitarist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and bandleader. Malmsteen became known for his neo-classical playing approach in heavy metal music which became a new musical style in the early 1980s.- Early life :...
, Stryper
Stryper
Stryper is a Christian glam metal band from Orange County, California. The group's lineup consists of Michael Sweet , Oz Fox , Tim Gaines , and Robert Sweet...
, and country superstars The Oak Ridge Boys
The Oak Ridge Boys
The Oak Ridge Boys are an American country and gospel vocal quartet.The group was founded in the 1940s as the Oak Ridge Quartet. They became popular in southern gospel during the 1950s...
as well as continuing appearances on album soundtracks such as the movies Heroes
Heroes (film)
Heroes is a 1977 comedy drama film directed by Jeremy Kagan and starring Henry Winkler and co-starring Sally Field and Harrison Ford...
and Anchorman. It is also featured in the video games Guitar Hero II
Guitar Hero II
Guitar Hero II is a music video game developed by Harmonix Music Systems and published by RedOctane. It is the second installment in the Guitar Hero series and is the sequel to Guitar Hero...
, Rock Band 2
Rock Band 2
Rock Band 2 is a music video game developed by Harmonix Music Systems. It is the sequel to Rock Band and is the second title in the series. The game allows up to four players to simulate the performance of popular songs by playing with controllers modeled after musical instruments...
and Guitar Hero Smash Hits. The song also was used prominently in the TV series Supernatural
Supernatural (TV series)
Supernatural is an American supernatural and horror television series created by Eric Kripke, which debuted on September 13, 2005 on The WB, and is now part of The CW's lineup. Starring Jared Padalecki as Sam Winchester and Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester, the series follows the brothers as they...
.
"Dust in the Wind
Dust in the Wind
"Dust in the Wind" is a song by American progressive rock band Kansas, first released on their 1977 album Point of Know Return.The song peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 the week of April 22, 1978, making it Kansas' only top ten Billboard Hot 100 charting single...
" has been covered by Sarah Brightman
Sarah Brightman
Sarah Brightman is an English classical crossover soprano, actress, songwriter and dancer. She is famous for possessing a vocal range of over 3 octaves and singing in the whistle register...
, Gabriel & Dresden
Gabriel & Dresden
Gabriel & Dresden is the project name of the DJs and producers Josh Gabriel and Dave Dresden from San Francisco. Their popularity and activities were centered in the United States. They won the WMC award as Best American DJ twice in 2007 and 2008, the same day the group split-up...
, Christian artists Billy Smiley
Billy Smiley
Billy Smiley is a music producer, songwriter, and musician. He is best known for being one of the core members of the Christian rock band White Heart. He was the bands' guitarist, vocalist, and main songwriter since 1982....
and Acappella
Acappella (group)
Acappella is an all-male Contemporary Christian vocal group founded in 1982 by Keith Lancaster, who has variously played the role of singer, songwriter and producer throughout the group's history...
and by New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
center fielder and aspiring jazz guitarist Bernie Williams
Bernie Williams
Bernabé Williams Figueroa Jr. is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and Puerto Rican musician.-Early life:...
on his 2004 debut album The Journey Within
The Journey Within
The Journey Within is the debut album by Bernie Williams, who at the time of its release was still an outfielder for the New York Yankees. Released on July 15, 2003 through GRP Records, Williams played both lead and rhythm guitar on the album and also composed seven of the album's songs...
. It has also been referenced in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. The song was featured in a Subaru commercial in 2006 and in the film Old School
Old School (film)
Old School is a 2003 American comedy film released by DreamWorks SKG and directed by Todd Phillips, director of the documentary Frat House. The story was written by Court Crandall, and the film was written by Phillips and Scot Armstrong...
. It was also prominently featured in several episodes of the television series Highlander: The Series
Highlander: The Series
Highlander: The Series is a fantasy-adventure television series featuring Duncan MacLeod of the Scottish Clan MacLeod, as the Highlander. It was an offshoot and another alternate sequel of the 1986 feature film with a twist: Connor MacLeod did not win the prize and Immortals still exist post-1985...
. It could also be heard at the end of a 2010 Honda commercial as rendered by a marching band. In a small twist of irony, "Dust in the Wind" was also covered in 2006 by John Elefante
John Elefante
John Elefante is an American singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer.-Early years:Born in Levittown, New York, his family soon moved to Long Beach, California. Growing up, he sang and performed drums for his family band, the Brotherhood...
, Kansas' lead singer following the departure of Steve Walsh, who sang lead on the original version in 1977. The single was certified gold as a digital download by the RIAA in 2005, almost 30 years after it sold 1 million copies as a single.
Livgren's music is used by permission for the Theophilos Bible Software. The intro music is an excerpt from "And I Saw, As It Were … Konelrad" from the album One Of Several Possible Musiks. Other portions of the software use the following songs or excerpts from songs:
"All Creation Sings" from Art Of The State; "Beyond The Pale" from Time Line; "Highway To The Heart" and "No Standing" from Reconstructions; "I'll Follow You" from Prime Mover; "Just One Way" from Seeds of Change
Seeds of Change (album)
Seeds of Change was Kerry Livgren's first solo album. Released in 1980 while he still was a member of Kansas, three other members of the band appeared as guests . In 1996, Seeds of Change was reissued through Renaissance Records with a 21:24 long interview with Livgren as a bonus track...
; "Racing Away" from When Things Get Electric; and "Smoke Is Rising," "Two Thousand Down" and "When Things Get Electric" from When Things Get Electric.
Kerry Livgren is listed as a "Famous Kansan" by the Kansas State Historical Society. The platinum record awarded to him for the Kansas
Kansas (band)
Kansas is an American rock band that became popular in the 1970s initially on Album-Oriented Rock charts, and later with hit singles such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind"...
album Monolith hangs in the Kansas Museum of History
Kansas Museum of History
The Kansas Museum of History in Topeka, Kansas, USA, is the state history museum. It presents Kansas history from the prehistoric to modern eras in of exhibits. The galleries feature a train , full-sized tipi in the Southern Cheyenne style, a 1950s diner, and many other large features...
. He was also honored by the Kansas State Legislature with a commendaton on April 28, 2006.
Guest appearances
Livgren's keyboard and guitar playing can be heard on the 2nd Chapter of Acts2nd Chapter of Acts
The 2nd Chapter of Acts was a Jesus Music and early Contemporary Christian Music group composed of sisters Annie Herring and Nelly Greisen and brother Matthew Ward. They began performing in 1973 and enjoyed their period of greatest success during the 1970s...
albums Rejoice
Rejoice (2nd Chapter of Acts album)
-Track listing:# Rejoice - 3:00# Bread of Life - 2:04# Nobody Can Take My Life - 3:28# Here I Go - 2:18# Rise Up and Take a Bow - 2:00# I've Got a Break in My Heart - 2:47# Don't Understand It - 2:57# He's My Source - 2:23# Heaven Came to Earth - 2:15...
(1981), Singer Sower
Singer Sower
Singer Sower is an album by 2nd Chapter of Acts, released in 1983. It was recorded at Easter Song Studio in Garden Valley, Texas. As with all 2nd Chapter of Acts recordings, it was engineered and produced by Buck Herring.-Track listing:...
(1983) and Night Light (1985).
He also plays on the Robin Crow
Robin Crow
Robin Z. Crow is an American author, recording artist, and public speaker. Crow is best known for his 2002 autobiographical book entitled Jump and the Net Will Appear. He is the builder, owner, and operator of Dark Horse Recording Studio in Franklin, TN...
album Electric Cinema (1992) and contributes a guitar solo to "Long Story," a song on Neal Morse
Neal Morse
Neal Morse is an American multi-instrumentalist and progressive rock composer based in Nashville, Tennessee.-Background:...
's album Testimony (2003).
On his Web site, Livgren reported in July 2009 that he had recently contributed to the new album by former Kansas band mate John Elefante
John Elefante
John Elefante is an American singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer.-Early years:Born in Levittown, New York, his family soon moved to Long Beach, California. Growing up, he sang and performed drums for his family band, the Brotherhood...
. According to Elefante's Web site, Revolution of Mind by John Elefante and Mastedon
Mastedon
Mastedon is the name of a Christian rock band formed by brothers Dino and John Elefante in the mid-80s. The band was formed mainly as a studio project and released two full-length albums and two stand-alone songs on compilation albums.Mastedon have recently signed with Italian label Frontiers...
is to be released soon.
Books
In 1983, Livgren published his autobiography, Seeds of Change: The Spiritual Quest of Kerry Livgren, co-written with Kenneth Boa. A revised and expanded edition was released in 1991 that updated the book to cover his time with AD.Politics
On August 20, 2009, in a call to Sean HannitySean Hannity
Sean Hannity is an American radio and television host, author, and conservative political commentator. He is the host of The Sean Hannity Show, a nationally syndicated talk radio show that airs throughout the United States on Premiere Radio Networks. Hannity also hosts a cable news show, Hannity,...
's radio show, Livgren identified as a "big fan" of the show and said that not all musicians are liberals.
Personal life
He married Victoria Carpenter on December 27, 1975, and fathered one child, Katy Kristina.Stroke
On September 1, 2009, Livgren suffered a stroke early in the day. His condition was reported as "serious, but stable." By Sept. 4, family members called his condition positive and said his progress in recovering was encouraging. Livgren underwent surgery and received two stents in his carotid arteries. The area of his brain in which the stroke-causing clot formed deals with language and other high-end skills. Livgren's family says his face did not have the "sagging" often found in stroke victims, he recognized family members, and would squeeze their hands in recognition. The family established the Kansas band Web site as the only authorized source for information on Livgren's recovery. Livgren has now recovered partially and has resumed work on his various musical projects.He made his first post-stroke appearance with Kansas on January 28, 2011, when he conducted the Kansas State University Symphony Orchestra for "Dust in the Wind" during a special concert celebrating the 150th anniversary of the state of Kansas. Livgren was greeted with a prolonged standing ovation.
With Kansas
- 1974 Kansas
- 1975 Song for AmericaSong for AmericaSong for America is the second album by American rock band Kansas, released in 1975. The album was reissued in remastered format on CD in 2004....
- 1975 Masque
- 1976 LeftovertureLeftovertureLeftoverture is the fourth album by American rock band Kansas, released in 1976. The album was reissued in remastered format on CD in 2001.-Overview:...
- 1977 Point of Know ReturnPoint of Know ReturnPoint of Know Return is the fifth album by American rock band Kansas, released in 1977. The album was reissued in remastered format on CD in 2002.The huge success of Kansas's previous effort, Leftoverture, brought a new kind of pressure...
- 1978 Two for the Show live
- 1979 Monolith
- 1980 Audio-VisionsAudio-VisionsAudio-Visions is the seventh studio album by American rock band Kansas, released in 1980. The album was remastered and reissued in 2011, as a Japanese import vinyl-replica....
- 1982 Vinyl ConfessionsVinyl ConfessionsVinyl Confessions is the eighth studio album, and ninth album overall, by American rock band Kansas, released in 1982 . The album was reissued in remastered format on CD in 2011.-Background:...
- 1983 Drastic MeasuresDrastic MeasuresDrastic Measures is the ninth studio album, and tenth album overall, by American rock band Kansas, released in 1983.The shift in direction that Kansas took with Vinyl Confessions took its toll before recording began on this album...
- 1992 Live at the WhiskyLive at the Whisky-Track listing:#"Introduction" – 1:04#"Howlin' at the Moon" from "Magnum Opus" – 1:31#"Paradox" – 4:11#"Point of no Return" – 4:44#"Song for America" – 8:57...
live (guest appearance only) - 2000 Somewhere to ElsewhereSomewhere to ElsewhereSomewhere to Elsewhere is the 14th studio album, and 20th overall, by American rock band Kansas, released in 2000.This album marks the reunion of the band's original 1970s lineup, along with Billy Greer, who joined Kansas with Power. Kerry Livgren composed all of the album's tracks, and he sings ...
- 2009 There's Know Place Like HomeThere's Know Place Like HomeThere's Know Place Like Home is Kansas' fifth live and 26th overall album. It was released as a double CD and also on DVD on October 13, 2009 and Blu-ray on November 23, 2009...
live (guest appearance only)
Compilations
- 1984 The Best of KansasThe Best of KansasThe Best of Kansas is the first compilation album and 11th album overall from the American rock band Kansas. It was originally released in 1984, and featured one new track, "Perfect Lover," written and performed by then-lead vocalist John Elefante...
- 1992 Carry OnCarry On (Kansas album)Carry On is the 14th album, and second compilation, from American rock band Kansas, released in 1992 . It was later repackaged and re-released in 2005 as On the Other Side , although the track selection and order did not change.-Track listing:# "Carry On Wayward Son" – 5:23# "What's on My Mind" ...
- 1994 The Kansas Boxed SetThe Kansas Boxed SetThe Kansas Boxed Set is the third compilation from the band Kansas. It was originally released in 1994, and was the band's first boxed set overview of their career, emphasizing only their progressive rock era which was bracketed by the albums Kansas in 1974 and Audio-Visions in 1980. It also...
- 1999 The Best of KansasThe Best of KansasThe Best of Kansas is the first compilation album and 11th album overall from the American rock band Kansas. It was originally released in 1984, and featured one new track, "Perfect Lover," written and performed by then-lead vocalist John Elefante...
[expanded] - 2002 The Ultimate KansasThe Ultimate KansasThe Ultimate Kansas is the fourth compilation from the band Kansas. It was originally released in 2002, and focuses solely on their Kirshner period from their debut album Kansas in 1974, up to and including Drastic Measures in 1983...
- 2004 Sail On: The 30th Anniversary CollectionSail On: The 30th Anniversary CollectionSail On: The 30th Anniversary Collection is the fifth compilation from the band Kansas, originally released in 2004. Along with two CDs that include tracks from each one of the band's studio albums, the compilation also includes a 16-track companion DVD which features numerous television...
(2CD/1DVD) - 2005 On the Other SideCarry On (Kansas album)Carry On is the 14th album, and second compilation, from American rock band Kansas, released in 1992 . It was later repackaged and re-released in 2005 as On the Other Side , although the track selection and order did not change.-Track listing:# "Carry On Wayward Son" – 5:23# "What's on My Mind" ...
re-release of Carry On
Solo/with AD
- 1980 Seeds of ChangeSeeds of Change (album)Seeds of Change was Kerry Livgren's first solo album. Released in 1980 while he still was a member of Kansas, three other members of the band appeared as guests . In 1996, Seeds of Change was reissued through Renaissance Records with a 21:24 long interview with Livgren as a bonus track...
- 1984 Time Line (Kerry Livgren/AD)
- 1985 Art of the State (AD)
- 1986 Reconstructions (AD)
- 1988 Prime Mover (Kerry Livgren/AD)
- 1989 One of Several Possible Musiks
- 1995 When Things Get Electric (Kerry Livgren and Corps de Pneuma) (remastered in 2005)
- 1996 Odyssey Into the Mind's Eye soundtrack (remastered in 2005)
- 1998 AD Live (AD) live (Review: HM Magazine)
- 2000 Collector's Sedition (Review: HM Magazine)
Reissues/Compilations
- 1988 Compact Favorites
- 1992 Decade
- 1997 Reconstructions Reconstructed, reissue of Reconstructions, partly re-recorded (remastered, repackaged in 2006)
- 1998 Prime Mover II, reissue of Prime Mover, partly re-recorded (Review: HM Magazine)
- 2002 Best of Kerry Livgren (Review: The Phantom Tollbooth)
- 2007 Collector's Sedition (Director's Cut), reissue of Collector's Sedition, partly re-recorded
- 2007 Decade Vol. II, reissue of Time Line (previously reissued on Decade disc 2), two tracks remixed
- 2008 Prime Mover (Redux), reissue of Prime Mover II, further re-recorded
- 2009 Decade Vol. I, reissue of Seeds of ChangeSeeds of Change (album)Seeds of Change was Kerry Livgren's first solo album. Released in 1980 while he still was a member of Kansas, three other members of the band appeared as guests . In 1996, Seeds of Change was reissued through Renaissance Records with a 21:24 long interview with Livgren as a bonus track...
(previously reissued on Decade disc 1), partly re-recorded
With Proto-Kaw
- 2003 Early Recordings from Kansas 1971-73
- 2004 Before Became AfterBefore Became AfterBefore Became After is a reunion album from the original Kansas II lineup, under their new name of Proto-Kaw. The Special Edition contains three bonus tracks - one new original song, a live version of "Belexes", plus a “single” version of “Words of Honor”. It also includes an informative interview...
- 2006 The Wait of GloryThe Wait of GloryThe Wait of Glory is the third album from Proto-Kaw after their retrospective initial release and Debut new recording Before Became After....
- 2011 Forth
Books
- 1980 Seeds of Change: The Spiritual Quest of Kerry Livgren, with Kenneth Boa; revised and expanded edition released in 1991