Robby Steinhardt
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Robby Steinhardt (born May 25, 1950) is a rock violinist, violist, cellist, and singer best known for his work with the group Kansas, for which he was co-lead singer and emcee from 1973-1982 and 1997-2005. In the interim, he had a band called Steinhardt-Moon. He has said that unless he has a writing credit on a song (his only writing credits with Kansas are "All the World", "Magnum Opus", "Point of Know Return", and "Stay Out of Trouble"), the violin, viola, or cello part was written out for him to perform, usually by Kerry Livgren.
His departure from the band in the early 1980s was related to his substance abuse, which led to him initially not wanting to perform J.J. Cale's drug-themed "Bringing It Back", which featured a major violin solo, in concert, although he eventually would perform it again.
Steinhardt grew up in Lawrence, Kansas and was the son of the director of music history at Kansas University. He began the violin at an eary age and was classically trained. He has often said that joining a rock band caused him to develop poor playing habits, one of which is awkwardly holding his violin to the side of his head in order to hear himself better through the guitar amps and PA system. Steinhardt produces a very lush and warm violin tone that basically defined the Kansas sound, along with heavy guitar and the hammond b-3 organ. His vocal harmonizes nicely with lead singer Steve Walsh's high tenor. In addition, he sings a counter lead vocal to Walsh's on several Kansas songs. With beard and hair, so wild and long it could grace the Kansas plains, Steinhardt is quite an imposing figure as a front man and very comfortable with the role.
In early 2006, Steinhardt once again left Kansas. This time it was due mostly to burn out. Since Steinhardt rejoined the band in 1997, the touring pace has been pretty hectic, averaging almost 100 shows per year. For some reason, Steinhardt had a harder time dealing with the grueling schedule than the rest of the band. So as part of a mutual agreement, he left Kansas once again. Fortunately, violinist extraordinare David Ragsdale (Steinhardt's original replacement), was able to step in again and provide Kansas its much needed violin. What will be missed is Steinhardt's glorious stage presence and lead vocal contributions that will now be split between bassist Billy Greer and lead singer/keyboardist Steve Walsh. One thing is certain, Kansas is determined to "Carry On".
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