Reflecting on Kansas' Robby Steinhardt: A significant figure in progressive rock music, whose presence often attracted attention, allowing others to perform without the spotlight and the associated pressure
In the world of progressive rock, the name Robby Steinhardt is synonymous with innovation and excellence. Known best for his tenure as a founding member of the iconic band Kansas, Steinhardt embarked on a solo career after departing the group in 2006.
Steinhardt's solo journey culminated in the release of a progressive rock solo album, "Not In Kansas Anymore: A Rock Opera," completed shortly before his death in July 2021 at the age of 71. The album, released three months after his passing, reflects his lasting artistic vision following his influential tenure with Kansas and work outside the band.
Born in 1948, Steinhardt began his musical journey at the tender age of eight, receiving classical training that would later shape his unique style. His adopted father, a notable music academic, encouraged top-level musicianship during his youth.
Steinhardt joined Kansas, then known as White Clover, in 1972 and helped define the band's iconic sound through his distinctive violin playing and shared vocals. His importance to Kansas's style was evident on their self-titled debut album in 1974, and his contributions continued through their breakthrough album, 1976's Leftoverture, which sold over five million copies in the US.
Apart from Kansas, Steinhardt was also involved with other projects such as Stormbringer and collaborations with artists like Jon Anderson, highlighting a diverse musical career beyond Kansas. In 1996, he was one of the performers on the Jethro Tull tribute album To Cry You A Song - A Collection Of Tull Tales, contributing vocals and violin on A New Day Yesterday.
Steinhardt's violin playing was a significant factor in establishing Kansas as a dynamic, progressively-inclined act. His charisma and ease during Kansas's live debut in the UK in 1978 overshadowed everyone else on stage. However, personal reasons led him to leave Kansas at the conclusion of the tour to promote their Vinyl Confessions album in 1982.
In March 2006, Steinhardt quit Kansas again, saying he no longer wanted to be a member of the band. After departing Kansas, Steinhardt worked on his first solo album, which was recorded with producer Michael Franklin at Solar Studios. This album was released posthumously in October 2021 under the title "Not In Kansas Anymore: A Rock Opera" (sometimes stylized as *Not In Kansas Anymore / A Prog Opera*).
The solo album is recognized as his final work and shows his continued devotion to progressive rock, blending his classical violin background with rock opera elements. Steinhardt's passing robbed the rock world of one of the most important Americans in the history of progressive music. His legacy lives on in the music he left behind, a testament to his talent and passion for his craft.
- Robby Steinhardt's final project, "Not In Kansas Anymore: A Rock Opera," was completed as a solo album before his passing in 2021.
- While his tenure with Kansas ended in 2006, Steinhardt continued to explore diverse musical styles, including solo projects and collaborations with other artists.
- Interestingly, Steinhardt's solo album, "Not In Kansas Anymore: A Rock Opera," was recorded with producer Michael Franklin at Solar Studios after he left Kansas in 2006.
- The album, filled with progressive rock elements, demonstrates Steinhardt's affinity for this genre, which was also evident during his time with Kansas.
- In the realm of progressive music, Steinhardt's impact was immense, resulting in the production of an EP and several album releases, showcasing his versatility on guitar, vocals, and violin.
- On stage, Steinhardt was not only known for his captivating vocals and violin skills but also for his extraordinary drumming abilities, cementing his role as an entertainer in the world of music.
- In addition to Kansas and his solo career, Steinhardt's musical endeavors included contributions to tribute albums, such as To Cry You A Song - A Collection Of Tull Tales, where he provided vocals and violin for the track "A New Day Yesterday."
- In his early years, Steinhardt received classical training on various instruments, with his adopted father's support, which significantly influenced his unique style and approach to his craft.
- His departure from Kansas in 1982 and subsequent solo journey took him on a detailed course of recording and releasing music, culminating in the formation of his own band and multiple live performances across the world.
