Kerry Livgren

Kerry Livgren
Livgren in a 1976 promotional photo for Kansas
Livgren in a 1976 promotional photo for Kansas
Background information
Birth nameKerry Allen Livgren
Born (1949-09-18) September 18, 1949 (age 75)
Topeka, Kansas, U.S.
GenresProgressive rock, rock
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter
Instrument(s)Guitar, keyboards
Years active1974–present
Websitenumavox.com

Kerry Allen Livgren (born September 18, 1949) is an American musician, best known as one of the founding members and primary songwriters for the American rock band Kansas.

Livgren, raised in Topeka, Kansas, developed an early interest in music and songwriting. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he played in various bands, exploring spiritual themes in his lyrics. Livgren formed bands such as the Gimlets, Saratoga, and eventually Kansas. With Kansas, he achieved commercial success, writing hit songs like "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind". In 1979, Livgren converted to Christianity, which influenced his subsequent work. He continued to work with Kansas, formed a new band called AD, and pursued a solo career. Livgren later formed a band called Proto-Kaw, which released new material until 2011. As the primary songwriter for Kansas, Livgren contributed to the band's worldwide success, with numerous Gold and multi-Platinum albums and over 14 million recordings sold.