I've listened to THOUSANDS of bands in many different styles. Kerry remains my all-time favorite songwriter. A modern day Bach (and I thought carefully before stating that). The emotion, the intellect, the spirituality, the musicality... It doesn't just happen. There is truly something inspirational going on here. God bless you, Kerry.
Born and raised in India, we had no access to western music. On the Arabian sea, there is a beach called Anjuna, Goa where the hippies sold their belongings, cassettes and Walkman's at the time, at a flea market. It was there I bought my first cassette from a Hippie called, Point of Know Return. Years later, i stowed away in the hope of coming to America and abandon ship. It never happened. i then joined and worked in the Airlines, got a free ticket, got sponsorship in the US and since then got to see almost all classic rock bands. Saw Kansas twice. As an immigrant, I've been thru Hell but seeing all these bands, I 'd like to think I've seen Heaven. Thank U America.
Kerry Livgren... what a talented songwriter, keyboardist, and guitarist! He seems like a really nice person, too. My favorite lead guitar solo of his is on Sparks of the Tempest. I appreciate him kind of cryptically writing about his personal religious (spiritual) search.
The title is incorrect. He does not hold legend status. However, his music is definitely at the legend level. Unfortunately, he doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. He was the 70’s(early 80’s) best songwriter. Phil Ehart, the Kansas drummer, is just as underrated. This is the band that should be in the R&R Hall Of Fame and likely will never be there. We have already lost one original member(Robby). Cygnus, you worded it nicely.
Kerry is an amazing songwriter and musician. I met him at the Live At The Whisky show in 1992 in Los Angeles and talked with him a bit after the show. He was very nice and humble.
This awesome Genius is one of those people in history that happens one in a century.. long live This American treasure Mr Kerry..May God Bless Him always.❣️❣️❣️
In 1976 and 1977 Kansas sold around 10 million albums in the USA alone. Also in the mid 90s Carry On Wayward Son was the most played song on classic rock radio in America. Kansas are bigger than a lot of people think.
Definitely a one off incredible talent combined with the other musicians in Kansas put together a musical chemistry that few will ever know and the way livgren said he had to come through it was all on the wire so he went home and came back the next day with most of the songs finished for the album Phil heart said who does that and wayward son was one of those songs and it changed everything
*""I'LL WILL-NEVER FORGET OF WHERE I WAS WHEN DUST IN THEWIND PLAYED ON A LOCAL-RADIO-STATION DURING 1977, ""IT IS BEYOND GOLD-STATUS, ""A TIMELESS-CLASSIC FOREVER""!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*
I’ve scheduled Dust in the Wind several times at mainstream, liturgical denominations. It speaks so well to reinforce many Bible readings that speak of the evils of money. It was always well-received, even by folks you would think wouldn’t!
Just watched this for the first time, THANKS for posting it. I'm a huge Kansas fan, have been since the mid 70's, and have seen them several times. In fact I went to their 50th anniversary show last fall, I was sincerely hoping that Kerry & Steve would show up & play a couple tunes, that didn't happen. BUT Dave Hope did come, and did play a couple tunes with them. It was a memorable experience.
A Christian brother with an incredible abundance of musical talent. Can't wait to meet him in Heaven. But first I want to hear the Cantata! We're in 2021 Kerry; will we hear it this year?
Yes. He had a major stroke in 2006 or 9 (I think) and couldn't walk, talk, or play music after. In fact, he nearly died. But he had so many people praying for him - his recovery really was a miracle. He's back in his studio writing/producing music. And he still plays gigs w Kansas when they're touring nearby. Amazing.
@@billcompeau4835 Awesome news! Did I hear Kerry also say that he re-recorded “Seeds Of Change?” That would really be great to hear. Can you imagine hearing “Down to the core?” or even Ground Zero?”
I just listened to the remaster of Seeds of Change on ImDB, and I have to say that I wasn't as impressed as I expected. But, then again, the original recording and Decade 1 are so great, they're hard to top! Kerry isn't known as the Maestro for nothing...
I'm grateful to my local Detroit rock station playing 3 songs from MASQUE on a regular rotation when the album was released. It was my first exposure to Kansas' music, and I became to life-long fan. BTW, the songs: Child Of Innocence, Icarus and Two Cents Worth. Nothing else like them on the radio.
I'm from Kansas. Graduated high school in 1971. Kansas played at all our proms & college formal dances! Then they got famous and tickets got to be expensive! I kidded Steve about becoming a big shot! 😂
I was there, too. He was uncertain because his idealism about the Christian music industry had been shattered. AD was lost in that element, which I can say from experience, was as shady or even moreso than the mainstream music industry. In hindsight, AD should have gone to a mainstream label and taken their chances. CCM did not know what to make of a band this good.
The interviewer: "you're writing didn't really come out until the fourth album." WTF??? Kerry's lyrical talent shone brightly right from the beginning. What an insult!
One of the great things about growing older is having the time to revisit artists I was aware of but didn't much care for back in the day. Now, having properly exposed myself to their music, I can appreciate what an odd and unlikely bird Kansas was. And here, I really love seeing Livgren light up when talking about the magic moment when he somehow rose to the occasion on the Leftoverature to save the band, and how the band started hammering on all cylinders right there with him. Who knew? I didn't.
Due to the fact that "Wayward Son" was everywhere back then...even used in a made for T.V. movie about returning Vietnam vets, I couldn't stand Kansas. The more I listened to their music, the more interested I became. Their early albums are very strange because they go from straight out rock(Walsh, Steinhardt) to esoteric songs with progressive overtones(Livgren). It's a strange dichotomy for a band to go in two directions at once, Little Feat also went through this between Lowell George and Billy Payne. The song "Song for America" is probably the greatest American progressive rock song ever produced, and since it was written by Kerry...he becomes the greatest American prog-rocker!
I’m a degreed, traditional church musician, who plays organ. While I have had an eclectic approach, Classical has been my forte. I’ve been super dissatisfied with the Praise Band model that has emerged. But not at all against using Bands and Pop styles if the songs had depth and reinforced the Bible readings. I dream of churches that would hire/use bands that play the kind of complex music that reflects the vastness and grandeur of God. Such as Kansas. I can see the Pipe Organ playing a central role that it always has, only with adding truly fine, skilled instrumentalist like you find in groups like Kansas, Yes and ELP. I’m afraid it will never happen, due to the shallowness and commercialism that many churches somehow equate with true worship. 😩
The answer to the question to Kerry “how do you write a song” which he didnt answer is that it comes from GOD. Composers, writers, speakers, etc. find that tunes, ideas and words just come out suddenly and it becomes a hit. Like all the kindness that GOD does he also wants us to be entertained so we could have peace of mind. It’s all part of the way GOD cares for us.
Some of the best songs in 1970’s rock came from this man and his band.
I really admire Kerry ‘s Humility .
I've listened to THOUSANDS of bands in many different styles. Kerry remains my all-time favorite songwriter. A modern day Bach (and I thought carefully before stating that). The emotion, the intellect, the spirituality, the musicality... It doesn't just happen. There is truly something inspirational going on here. God bless you, Kerry.
Truth
Amen! Livgren and Keaggy have faithfully served the living God by sharing with us a glimpse of the heavenly realms! 😊
The Key to Kerry's inspiration is his Search for The True God who is Jesus Christ. If you doubt that , research his Testimony
Born and raised in India, we had no access to western music. On the Arabian sea, there is a beach called Anjuna, Goa where the hippies sold their belongings, cassettes and Walkman's at the time, at a flea market. It was there I bought my first cassette from a Hippie called, Point of Know Return. Years later, i stowed away in the hope of coming to America and abandon ship. It never happened. i then joined and worked in the Airlines, got a free ticket, got sponsorship in the US and since then got to see almost all classic rock bands. Saw Kansas twice. As an immigrant, I've been thru Hell but seeing all these bands, I 'd like to think I've seen Heaven. Thank U America.
I wish I got to see Kansas and many other great bands. Good you have those special memories.
lehnladakh, That is a great story.
Good story ji.
Great story.
Kerry Livgren... what a talented songwriter, keyboardist, and guitarist! He seems like a really nice person, too. My favorite lead guitar solo of his is on Sparks of the Tempest. I appreciate him kind of cryptically writing about his personal religious (spiritual) search.
Kerry a blessing to the music world
The title is incorrect. He does not hold legend status. However, his music is definitely at the legend level. Unfortunately, he doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. He was the 70’s(early 80’s) best songwriter. Phil Ehart, the Kansas drummer, is just as underrated. This is the band that should be in the R&R Hall Of Fame and likely will never be there. We have already lost one original member(Robby). Cygnus, you worded it nicely.
One of the top five song writers of the century, an incredible talent.
The #1 writer!
Absolutely #1!
Extremely prolific
Kerry's awesome. I consider him the Brian Wilson of Kansas.
Kerry is an amazing songwriter and musician. I met him at the Live At The Whisky show in 1992 in Los Angeles and talked with him a bit after the show. He was very nice and humble.
Phenomenal writer and musician
Kerry Livgren was a brilliant, virtuoso Piano player (classical influences), as well as a killer Electric Guitarist.
Rich Williams has said pretty much the same thing about him, add a gifted songwriter
Kerry Livgren is a great guitar player, and his lyrics are part of the reason why I listen to Kansas.
This awesome Genius is one of those people in history that happens one in a century.. long live This American treasure Mr Kerry..May God Bless Him always.❣️❣️❣️
In 1976 and 1977 Kansas sold around 10 million albums in the USA alone. Also in the mid 90s Carry On Wayward Son was the most played song on classic rock radio in America. Kansas are bigger than a lot of people think.
Kerry Livgren - amazing and perfect !!!
A very talented and humble man. His music stands up to this day and will be listened to and enjoyed by many future generations.
Incredible songwriter and musician 👍🤗
God Bless you Kerry , Maestro
Definitely a one off incredible talent combined with the other musicians in Kansas put together a musical chemistry that few will ever know and the way livgren said he had to come through it was all on the wire so he went home and came back the next day with most of the songs finished for the album Phil heart said who does that and wayward son was one of those songs and it changed everything
*""I'LL WILL-NEVER FORGET OF WHERE I WAS WHEN DUST IN THEWIND PLAYED ON A LOCAL-RADIO-STATION DURING 1977, ""IT IS BEYOND GOLD-STATUS, ""A TIMELESS-CLASSIC FOREVER""!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*
I’ve scheduled Dust in the Wind several times at mainstream, liturgical denominations. It speaks so well to reinforce many Bible readings that speak of the evils of money. It was always well-received, even by folks you would think wouldn’t!
Just watched this for the first time, THANKS for posting it. I'm a huge Kansas fan, have been since the mid 70's, and have seen them several times. In fact I went to their 50th anniversary show last fall, I was sincerely hoping that Kerry & Steve would show up & play a couple tunes, that didn't happen. BUT Dave Hope did come, and did play a couple tunes with them. It was a memorable experience.
Livgren is a genius of a writer
Him and Ian Anderson are two of.my 2 all time favorite composers
It's certainly good company.
Awesome interview !
A Christian brother with an incredible abundance of musical talent. Can't wait to meet him in Heaven. But first I want to hear the Cantata! We're in 2021 Kerry; will we hear it this year?
He 's stil alive?
Yes. He had a major stroke in 2006 or 9 (I think) and couldn't walk, talk, or play music after. In fact, he nearly died. But he had so many people praying for him - his recovery really was a miracle. He's back in his studio writing/producing music. And he still plays gigs w Kansas when they're touring nearby. Amazing.
@KellyDeanBishopatgmaildotcom I sang on the Cantata recently and according to Kerry 2021 should be the year it is finally released!
@@billcompeau4835 Awesome news! Did I hear Kerry also say that he re-recorded “Seeds Of Change?”
That would really be great to hear. Can you imagine hearing “Down to the core?” or even Ground Zero?”
I just listened to the remaster of Seeds of Change on ImDB, and I have to say that I wasn't as impressed as I expected. But, then again, the original recording and Decade 1 are so great, they're hard to top! Kerry isn't known as the Maestro for nothing...
I'm grateful to my local Detroit rock station playing 3 songs from MASQUE on a regular rotation when the album was released. It was my first exposure to Kansas' music, and I became to life-long fan. BTW, the songs: Child Of Innocence, Icarus and Two Cents Worth. Nothing else like them on the radio.
I want that Les Paul deluxe
I'm from Kansas. Graduated high school in 1971. Kansas played at all our proms & college formal dances! Then they got famous and tickets got to be expensive! I kidded Steve about becoming a big shot! 😂
Great interview. I really enjoyed this.
Good job by the high school interviewer. Did some homework. So glad the high school has a journalism avenue for kids.
I got to see his band, AD (w/ both Dave Hope and Phil E?) at Cornerstone ‘85; his words were uncertain 🤨 about what he was doing there?
I was there, too. He was uncertain because his idealism about the Christian music industry had been shattered. AD was lost in that element, which I can say from experience, was as shady or even moreso than the mainstream music industry. In hindsight, AD should have gone to a mainstream label and taken their chances. CCM did not know what to make of a band this good.
The interviewer: "you're writing didn't really come out until the fourth album." WTF??? Kerry's lyrical talent shone brightly right from the beginning. What an insult!
One of the great things about growing older is having the time to revisit artists I was aware of but didn't much care for back in the day. Now, having properly exposed myself to their music, I can appreciate what an odd and unlikely bird Kansas was. And here, I really love seeing Livgren light up when talking about the magic moment when he somehow rose to the occasion on the Leftoverature to save the band, and how the band started hammering on all cylinders right there with him. Who knew? I didn't.
Leftoverture ranks among the top classic albums.. Dark side of the moon, White album, Rumors, Hotel California. etc... Masterpiece..
Due to the fact that "Wayward Son" was everywhere back then...even used in a made for T.V. movie about returning Vietnam vets, I couldn't stand Kansas. The more I listened to their music, the more interested I became. Their early albums are very strange because they go from straight out rock(Walsh, Steinhardt) to esoteric songs with progressive overtones(Livgren). It's a strange dichotomy for a band to go in two directions at once, Little Feat also went through this between Lowell George and Billy Payne. The song "Song for America" is probably the greatest American progressive rock song ever produced, and since it was written by Kerry...he becomes the greatest American prog-rocker!
Is the interviewer Lynn Meredith from Proto Kaw? That sounds like his voice?
The Lsst two new Kansas albums have been good but not classic without the original chemistry of the band. Rock In Peace Robbie. 🎻
I’m a degreed, traditional church musician, who plays organ. While I have had an eclectic approach, Classical has been my forte. I’ve been super dissatisfied with the Praise Band model that has emerged. But not at all against using Bands and Pop styles if the songs had depth and reinforced the Bible readings. I dream of churches that would hire/use bands that play the kind of complex music that reflects the vastness and grandeur of God. Such as Kansas. I can see the Pipe Organ playing a central role that it always has, only with adding truly fine, skilled instrumentalist like you find in groups like Kansas, Yes and ELP. I’m afraid it will never happen, due to the shallowness and commercialism that many churches somehow equate with true worship. 😩
Interesting but the audio is horrible
I hate when people call Kansas the Midwest as the interviewer did. Kansas is one of the Prairie states.
They don't call Kansas , The Heart of the Dove For nothing. It's A Very Magical place.
OK, so Kerry is not only a genius, but is magical. If, to quote him "Carry On just came through me", that isn't magic, I don't know what is!
Well, not "magic," but the Divine.
His Seeds Of Change album is as good as anything he wrote with Kansas.
The answer to the question to Kerry “how do you write a song” which he didnt answer is that it comes from GOD. Composers, writers, speakers, etc. find that tunes, ideas and words just come out suddenly and it becomes a hit. Like all the kindness that GOD does he also wants us to be entertained so we could have peace of mind. It’s all part of the way GOD cares for us.
Livgren is a musical geniuis, but somebody needs to intervene about that scraggly goatee. Its not working.