 KANSAS' first public statement appeared on their self-titled album in 1974, "From the beginning, we considered ourselves and our music different and we hope we will always remain so." Little did this legendary rock group realize that back in the early 70's, what "seemed to be different," was actually ahead of its time.
From the beginning, Kansas achieved success by playing only their original music. This "garage band" from Topeka was discovered by Wally Gold who worked for Don Kirshner and released their first album in 1974.
The band has produced eight gold albums, three sextuple-Platinum albums (Leftoverture, Point of Know Return, Best of), one platinum live album (Two for the Show) and a million-selling gold single, "Dust in the Wind." KANSAS appeared on the Billboard charts for over 200 weeks throughout the 70's and 80's and played to sold-out arenas and stadiums throughout North America, Europe and Japan. In fact, "Carry On Wayward Son" was the #2 most Played Track on classic rock radio in 1995 and went to #1 in 1997. In 1998, KANSAS released an orchestral CD, "Always Never the Same" recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios in London. They followed with an orchestral tour accompanied by top-caliber symphony orchestras.
In 2000 KANSAS went back into the studio with original band member and songwriter Kerry Livgren to produce "Somewhere to Elsewhere," the first CD featuring all 6 of the original players in 20 years! The ten new songs were written by Kerry Livgren and played by Phil Ehart, Billy Greer, Dave Hope, Kerry Livgren, Robby Steinhardt, Steve Walsh and Richard Williams. 2001 brought the much anticipated, digitally re-mastered release of "Masque" and "Leftoverture," including never-released demos and live cuts. The digital re-master of "Point of Know Return" was released in February 2002. It also includes 2 new live cuts.
Original member and drumming master, Phil Ehart said, "We always have our eyes on the horizon. We are always looking for new ways to capture the essence of our music and of our performance. Now, KANSAS is releasing a state-of-the-art DVD using the latest technology in film, audio and visual design." Device-Voice-Drum was released on October 2, 2002 and is available as a Widescreen DVD and also as an Enhanced Audio 2-CD set. Sony Music has released a boxed set in 2004 titled "Sail On" KANSAS cuts as well as vintage video footage on the included DVD disc.
KANSAS, America's greatest and most successful progressive rock band, released the two-disc (one CD/one DVD) anthology 'Works In Progress' via Compendia Music Group on May 23, 2006. Material was taken from a decade's worth of studio and live albums and home videos -- 1992's 'Live At The Whisky,' 1995's 'Freaks Of  Nature,' 1998's 'Always Never The Same''Device Voice Drum.' (The 'Works In Progress' DVD features two audio tracks from 'Always Never The Same' specially remixed in 5.1 Surround Sound.)
'Works In Progress' chronicles a full one-third of KANSAS' 30+ years of existence. Putting the collection together gave the band members themselves a chance to reflect on this important career phase. "In remastering this project it definitely helped US appreciate this time in our career," says Ehart. "We had forgotten what a great version of Kansas this truly was!" Now, for their 35th Anniversary, Kansas returned to Kansas to produce a state-of-the-art DVD in high definition video and audio called There's Know Place Like Home. Recorded in Topeka, KS in February of 2009, Kansas played with the Washburn Symphony Orchestra at Washburn University. The DVD was released in October of 2009 to rave reviews and charted #5 on Billboard at it's release.
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