Formed in Kansas (yes) Kansas guitarist Kerry Livgren by drummer Phil Ehart and who had already taken a couple of bands in the 1970's. Proto-Kaw (cuneiform) collects the first recordings from 1971 to 73 from a proto-Kansas line up that played melodic progressive rock.

Leveraging classic touches violinist Robby Steinhardt of and keyboardist Steve Walsh, the band's first album, Kansas (Kirshner, 1974), Mask (1975) and Song For America (1975) approached Yes' pomp-rock at an angle more intimate and melodic. The first contains the beautiful I can know you and the ambitious Suite death of Mother Nature. Leftoverture (1976) was the album that made them stars, thanks to the catchy Carry On Wayward Son and the elegant suite Magnum Opus, while the point of return known (1977) gave his signature ballad, Dust In The Wind, and point Of Know Return. Monolith (1979) and Audio-Visions (1980) continued the series of successful albums, but Vinyl Confessions (1982), the first album without Walsh, was the beginning of the end, and the group disbanded after drastic measures (1983 .)

The lead singer Steve Walsh of Kansas moved to Atlanta, and recruited bassist Billy Greer, drummer Tim Gehrt, and guitarist Mike Slammer formed by the streets. They released the first (Atlantic, 1984), with the hit If love should go, and the crimes of the Mind (1985).

Ehart, Williams and Walsh reform of Kansas, the addition of Steve Morse, and saved energy (MCA, 1986) and In The Spirit of Things (1988).