That's a great way to describe Kansas,,I can't say I'm a 'prog rock' fan simply cause i don't know what it means. I listen to everything. Some say from King Crimson, to Genesis,,,. It's just music! Is it complicated? Just different time signatures but I don't put Kansas in a category they're KANSAS period and I've not heard band who can touch them musically or lyrically.
This guy just never gets the credit he deserves. When Kerry Livgren wrote multi-metered music, Phil Ehart puts it altogether! I applaud Phil's career, sticking in with Kansas, thick and thin. Bravo to you, Sir!!!
@@rosskendall3310 Indeed ! And lest we forget ...the incredible anchor along side Phil that was Dave Hope. Any band in the world would give their right arm to have a bass player as tight and locked in as Dave.
I agree,,,he's the best that ever was. To me he IS Kansas,,I've seen them a couple times without Steve,,still a perfect show,,but I miss Steve's presense..
David Ragsdale, is one of the finest and, most electrifying performer's ever to grace the concert stage. I've seen Kansas, with Robby Steinhardt four times, and with David Ragsdale four times. Always a 110% from everyone, who has ever been in the band Kansas. Robby nailed the original chemistry of the group. David brings in a fresh virtuosic synergistic energy. Been a fan for decades. Through thick and thin. I am so glad, Kansas is still out there. Working hard for their life long fans.
I second that motion! I found it hard to get used to David Ragsdale, but then I saw him play guitar and he is the complete package! Great performance, especially at Kansas: Live at The Whiskey! Exceptionally gifted!
I used this song in one of my presentations in high school. It was about America's majestic mountains. Pre-78. I think I might have been a junior, at Jenks, Oklahoma. I love you
I was playing this tape in the barracks and the Southern boys got confused!................ha ha ha!....they never heard such orchestration and "to the point" music,...............God Bless em' ALL!
I have seen them at least once every decade since the 70s. I swear this band has gotten better every time. How many bands can you say that about after 50 years. That number would be zero. Here's to another decade of Kansas
Rock Orchesta! I proposed marriage to my wife on stage at a Kansas comcert pennsauken NJ Cooper River Park 2007 No other band draws my emotions out more than Kansas! The Best!
If not our 'Alternate National Anthem' at the very least it deserves to be in our line-up of 'American Anthems' celebrating this most blessed land in which we live. Nobody captures the spirit of our homeland in song like Kansas. It'll give you a chill down your spine and bring a tear to your eye... if you let it.
@@dillontrainvids25 Except for the rape and kill part? Rape of? In the lyrical context and progression of “Song For America” it can be argued that it is the land that’s being raped (and torn asunder or torn apart). Rape is not necessarily sexual assault. While neither word appears in our National Anthem, history is replete with accounts of rape perpetrated as psychological warfare during armed conflict. It’s a byproduct of war. Killing is the product of war. Every allusion to killing could be removed from our National Anthem but the end result wouldn’t be an accurate account of American history, anymore than the impression made by “Song For America” would remain the same if both words were removed from its lyrics.
the intro and outro is one of the most beautifully written arrangements ever ....kerry was an absolute genius. the orchestra behind them must be thinking .....we're not worthy.
I totally second that and it would be hard for me to a pick a favorite Kansas song. Song For America is in my top five for sure, and yes the intro and outro is just gorgeous it gets me everytime.
K.L. was a pretty unique musician, however this orchestra and all the players in it have studied and played compositions by Mozart, Beethoven, and on and on - people who were real geniuses. I don't think they were in in awe of any of Livgren's compositions or arrangements. That being said I'm a fan and I remember seeing them before hardly anyone knew who they were at the Mankato State College Student Union auditorium (in Minnesota). Kind of sad, I think to see what's left of them. Their music I think is sort of strenuous and the originals are getting on in age. They were though in their day, especially when Livgren and Hope were still with them, one of the finest rock bands around.
I doubt they are thinking "we are not worthy." This is a beautiful song; however there's a lot of beautiful stuff that orchestras play in the "classical" idiom as well. Here's a story for you that I've shared on Kansas fora. A buddy of mine at the local bars was the conductor for the Trenton Symphony Orchestra and he was responsible for "prepping" the orchestra. He had never heard much of Kansas and said that without the rock band he didn't quite understand what they were trying to accomplish. But it reminded him of the music from Disney's Fantasia. We both went to the show; but I didn't go with him. We discussed the matter after the fact. But his response was the band was playing so loud he really couldn't hear the orchestra and didn't think it made much of a difference. But I was there too and you could hear how the orchestra enhanced the band. We were listening with different ears.
Saw them open for boc, cow palace, s.f. 1974. Lsd. What a triip it was. Steve walsh and kerry livgren wrote all these songs, one of the great. Singers of rock history, addictions, recoveries, transformations.
This was the very first Kansas song that I ever heard. They just happened to be the opening act for The Outlaws in Greensboro, NC in 1975. We had never heard of Kansas. This opening song in 1975 blew us away. I saw Kansas again in Omaha in 1981. They were amazing. This video proves that they still are.
Phillip Spencer The same a few years ago... didnt know, that Kansas wrote such works. I was bored and started the song and it was like: wtf. thats so epic o_O. its still my favorite Kansas-song next to Point of no return.
Ditto on everything you just said - except when I saw them in '75 they were the opening act for Queen, and Jansas seriously blew away even th likes of Freddie Mercury and Brian May. In fact it was a bit of a letdown when Queen finally took te stage as we had just heard the entire SFA album, including Incomudro: Hymn o the Atman. Nobody had ever heard of Kansas, and when they came i out dressed like farmers, complete with "fiddle", everyone was like "where did they come up with this bunch of hillbillies" - that is until they started to play. Most surprisingly fantastic concert ever! Thanks r posting, don't know they I'd this orchestral version.
@@kauaiads Whoa! Saying Kansas outplayed/performed Queen... whoa! That's about as high of praise you can get! I know Queen was intense about their music, too, just like Our Heroes.
@@JUSTICE-COMING Of course, Neil was a legendary drummer as well, love him too!However he was much more well known as such.Phil was less showy and more low-key.More underrated.
These guys cease to amaze me. Theres a special " magic" whenever Steve Walsh is with band, IMHO. Phil is such an incredible drummer. He could play ANYTHING, any time signature , any complex arrangement any tempo, etc. This band is too GOOD for the Rock and Roll HOF.
There's a reason why Kansas has been called "America's best band" by so many. After getting blown away by their albums "Song for America, "Leftoverture" and "Point of Know Return", I couldn't agree possibly more with that. Unbelievable.
KANSAS, my all time, number one American rock band hands down. I am 55 and as a retired professional drummer from L.A., I never have lost my love for this band and never will. Sad to see, like at a RUSH concert (when they were touring, R.I.P Neil) , most of the front row consists of closet musicians, who's number one goal is to try and let the guys on stage know, that hey look, I can do it too...hahahaha...
I wish they knew how annoying that is to the performers to sit and air drum or air guitar, bros...just sit and enjoy. It makes it harder for the band to connect with a bunch of 50+ year old's acting like 15 years old's.
I just want to say to whomever it is that has taken it upon themselves to share these incredible moments of outstanding music and delivery! Truly deserves Hall of Fame and some.
I imagine that all great violinists in the world, even in those big orchestras in Europe, when they jam at home, after a few beers, this is what they hear in their head! And they know that's such wonderful music could never be a reality. And yet here is the reality of that dream. It's just hard to believe how good it is. This proves that a great band, could keep up with a great orchestra, and actually lead the way.
We all talk of how great Steve Walsh is. We cannot help that but the group as a whole is one of a kind!!! How do you get all of that talent in one room? They are messmerizing.😎I said this a month ago and I say it with full heart now they are fantastic. I love the voice of Steve Walsh.
Nothing short of excellent. My friend Bob Fritsch did live photography for Kansas for 6 years. I learned to play drums and sing listening to this band and got to thank them for the lessons. BEST BAND EVER!
I just saw them a couple months ago in Salisbury MA in a small venue. Only a few left, not even Steve Walsh any more, but yet, the spirit of the group lives on. Still a great show, maybe because it takes me back to my high school years, I saw them when they first toured, blew me away then, and still do.
+Rob Seneff I saw them last night in Pittsfield MA. I totally agree with you!! small venue here as well. (i'm 63 and interesting to see us aging "rockers" in the audience . bill
I like the new lead singer Ronnie Platt very much. He has a wonderful sound to his voice. For me, though, Steve Walsh was the man and always will be the man, the Kansas sound was so much about his vocals, no disrespect at all to Mr. Platt.
@@wwonka52 wish I had seen them but never have in concert. I will be 70 soon but feel so much younger listening to these talented men. Steve is missed.
Many thanks for this rendition of Song for America. As a LONG time Kansas fan, one who has seen them live several times, this would have been a live concert of a lifetime.
They have this song "down to a T" It's perfect. Was not a big Kansas fan back in their heyday. Don't know why. Too busy with Yes, ELP, Jethro Tull, and that whole British rock thing. I was missing out on some great American music. Always loved this tune though.
@@rightchordleadership I saw that Tour but the run in the South that VH did with Journey (Steve Perry first tour) and Ronnie Montrose" Open Fire. Van Halen was a revelation. Nobody had seen anything like them. I am no Journey fan, but I have only heard 2 other voices live that were on his level of power and range : Freddie Mercury and Steve Walsh. Those guys could just "blow the roof off the dump," as Letterman used to say... Side note: Open Fire was badass! Steve Smith on drums pre-Journey.
That would depend on when in '78. VH were just beginning to chart that year and Kansas already had their foot in the door. Otherwise, it would have been a most unusual pairing.
Magnificent, magisterial and a song for the ages. Few groups will ever secure a niche in the prog/rock musical universe as effectively, uniquely and successfully as this band. Yes, ELP, Rush, Floyd, Genesis and a few others have their deserved places of greatness on the Mt Rushmore of prog/rock. Kansas in every way deserves its place with those iconic bands. Robby S. would be quite proud, I think, of how his band sounds in this wonderful iteration.
Ever have a video make your entire day? I was having such a crappy day. Thank you SO much!! Ready to take on the world again. Steve. If you happen to read this. Your voice was a gift to the world and there has never been another. 🙏
My very first live show was Kansas 13 days before this show in Dallas, Tx with Thin Lizzy! I still love this song, and remember Walsh running through the whole show.
That was my first concert too in Dallas, although I can’t remember what year that was. It had to be around 78. I remember Steve Walsh jetting across the stage to the mic and back to his keyboards. Man, that was a great concert. Thin Lizzy was awesome too.
Perfect Kansas song to do with an orchestra!! We use to open up with this song! Excellent inst’s & VOCALs!!! *** Dang, Steve can still hit those high notes!! Violin is excellent! Gotta have 2 multi-keyboardist to do it right!! (my brother & I, 20 keyboards in all on stage 🎹🎹😎😎👍👍)
Bought this album when it 1st came out and instantly fell in love with it. Had the pleasure of seeing'm do the whole album live back in summer of '74 (I think). Many years pass and I find the cd in a discount bin in a truck stop in Iowa. Popped it in and have been playing it ever since. Only problem is I can't tutn the volume in the truck up load enough!!
I had not heard anything from Kansas before... as incredibly as it may seem... but I loved this Music, or Better, this piece of Art !!! Everything "matched"... the music itself, the lyrics, the drums, the violin, the synthesizer, the "old" movie clip, etc. It was really a good surprise !!!
That was f****** amazing. But those black-and-white movie clips we're a real bummer because I wanted to see the incredible musicianship of Kansas instead. That song is one of the most beautiful songs ever written.
This whole video is impressive, a must for any Kansas fan. Instrumentally very nice! Steve Walsh delivered these songs in a marathon performance with his more mature, heavier vocal timbre, but the young Steve Walsh sound is not altogether gone. Shy away from those original high notes? Not really, Steve is clearly a powerful natural tenor for life (and Mr. Greer helps out, splendidly). All very tastefully sung, too.
My very favorite band! First saw them in 1973 as the first band to Elton z John. They were awesome, looking like they'd just arrived from the prairie lands of Kansas. Beautiful music so full of life!
No other band on this planet could write music that fits in with an orchestra as if it were written for an orchestra! The complexity and at the same time simplicity, simply mind blowing!
I have heard a couple of songs from this concert, just not this one - well done! Steve is seemingly straight and sounds vocally good and keyboards tight. Rest of the band the normal tight. Kansas brought violin to meet Mother Rock, and Mother loved it. A concerto and symphonic sound they had and still have.In my mid 60s, I've played lots of rock music, but never heard another band fabric a violin into their music other than a fill here and there. The music composition itself is complex and requires excellent musicians to pull something this good off. Thank You For This Video, and Thank You Kansas For Decades of Wonderful Music!
@ Jayraj below, there is no more that can be said about the talent this band has procured and delivered throughout the years. Kerry was an intuitive mastermind behind every script, Steve delivered it, and the rest of this incredibly talented band, orchestrated every single passage, so beautifully. No epitaph could ever amount to describe the musical inspiration this group of (dare I underrate their capacity as musicians?) artists, has made to the musical world....again, no more said! Gentleman, my inner soul has been touched by your contributions and will remember you till the day I part from this earth!
Such a gorgeous Song and a beautiful perfectly choreographed performance ...God Bless America and return her to Glory , with conscience love loyalty & accountability among our People
I agree that the song,. Song for America should be the national anthem all the way
Very similar to Monster by Steppenwolf and Golden Country by REO Speedwagon.
some of the most intelligent music ever written on planet earth
... and the solar system
Going to see them in concord nh center for the arts tonight their 50th anniversary 🎊 🎉 🥳
Steve Walsh was legendary...it's now a cover band, Platt ain't him, weak, way past time to retire.
@@networth9151 and the galaxy
That's a great way to describe Kansas,,I can't say I'm a 'prog rock' fan simply cause i don't know what it means. I listen to everything. Some say from King Crimson, to Genesis,,,. It's just music! Is it complicated? Just different time signatures but I don't put Kansas in a category they're KANSAS period and I've not heard band who can touch them musically or lyrically.
Phil Ehart is a remarkable musician . He is always locked in , playing for the song like no other drummer.
This guy just never gets the credit he deserves. When Kerry Livgren wrote multi-metered music, Phil Ehart puts it altogether! I applaud Phil's career, sticking in with Kansas, thick and thin. Bravo to you, Sir!!!
@@rosskendall3310 Indeed ! And lest we forget ...the incredible anchor along side Phil that was Dave Hope. Any band in the world would give their right arm to have a bass player as tight and locked in as Dave.
@@halcyon289 They are both shamefully underrated...
Never misses a beat. Great drummer.
Phil actually played notes on the drums
ONE AMONGST THE FEW MOST BEAUTIFUL PROGRESSIVE ROCK TUNES , ARRANGEMENTS & LYRICS THIS WORLD WILL EVER HEAR.
No better said, entirely....see comment left above.
That's absolutely correct!!!!!!
..te hace falta ver más Bax !
Absolutely!!
There were many great prog bands but what many of them lacked were the beautiful melodies of Kansas.
4/1/2022,1st time.🇮🇹
There will NEVER be another Steve Walsh...EVER!!!
Vocalist extroidenare, songwriting genius, consumate keyboardist.
I agree,,,he's the best that ever was. To me he IS Kansas,,I've seen them a couple times without Steve,,still a perfect show,,but I miss Steve's presense..
Without Steve it's a clown show cover band
@@autk Now I wouldn't go that far,,that's a ridiculous statement. You can miss Steve's voice but you can't say the band isn't still great.
Actually correct on the first two accomplishments, put livgren wrote all the masterpieces
Steve was a great vocalist, and a very good keyboardist, but he rarely wrote any songs with Kansas. Kerry Livgren was the songwriting genius.
David Ragsdale, is one of the finest and, most electrifying performer's ever to grace the concert stage. I've seen Kansas, with Robby Steinhardt four times, and with David Ragsdale four times. Always a 110% from everyone, who has ever been in the band Kansas. Robby nailed the original chemistry of the group. David brings in a fresh virtuosic synergistic energy. Been a fan for decades. Through thick and thin. I am so glad, Kansas is still out there. Working hard for their life long fans.
Yes, he's a terrific violinist! Loved Robby's work too, of course.
Fred and Patty Chandler - very well said!
I second that motion! I found it hard to get used to David Ragsdale, but then I saw him play guitar and he is the complete package! Great performance, especially at Kansas: Live at The Whiskey! Exceptionally gifted!
Going to see kansas tonight in concord nh center for the arts 🥳 50th anniversary 🎊 🎉 🥳
I used this song in one of my presentations in high school. It was about America's majestic mountains.
Pre-78. I think I might have been a junior, at Jenks, Oklahoma. I love you
Hello... I grew up in north Tulsa. I saw Kansas in 1977 (I think that's when it was anyway).
So did I as a Junior in High School!!
Beautiful Song. No rock music today could ever top Kansas.
I was playing this tape in the barracks and the Southern boys got confused!................ha ha ha!....they never heard such orchestration and "to the point" music,...............God Bless em' ALL!
I have seen them at least once every decade since the 70s. I swear this band has gotten better every time. How many bands can you say that about after 50 years. That number would be zero. Here's to another decade of Kansas
Styx live “Man in the wilderness “ Tommy Shaw talks about how the band Kansas made such an impact on him. Great concert !!!!!
You can’t lie!!! These guys were given the God given gift of poetry and notes to carry it to everyone. So glad someone shares this with me ❤😅😅😅
Thank you, Kansas, for making my life so much better. I love you guys.
This IS the song for AMERICA today!!!!!❤❤❤✝️✝️✝️💯☝️🙏🏻🙏🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱
Rock Orchesta! I proposed marriage to my wife on stage at a Kansas comcert pennsauken NJ Cooper River Park 2007
No other band draws my emotions out more than Kansas! The Best!
If not our 'Alternate National Anthem' at the very least it deserves to be in our line-up of 'American Anthems' celebrating this most blessed land in which we live. Nobody captures the spirit of our homeland in song like Kansas. It'll give you a chill down your spine and bring a tear to your eye... if you let it.
Except for the rape and kill part, yeah 😂
@@dillontrainvids25 Except for the rape and kill part? Rape of?
In the lyrical context and progression of “Song For America” it can be argued that it is the land that’s being raped (and torn asunder or torn apart). Rape is not necessarily sexual assault.
While neither word appears in our National Anthem, history is replete with accounts of rape perpetrated as psychological warfare during armed conflict. It’s a byproduct of war.
Killing is the product of war. Every allusion to killing could be removed from our National Anthem but the end result wouldn’t be an accurate account of American history, anymore than the impression made by “Song For America” would remain the same if both words were removed from its lyrics.
the intro and outro is one of the most beautifully written arrangements ever ....kerry was an absolute genius. the orchestra behind them must be thinking .....we're not worthy.
I totally second that and it would be hard for me to a pick a favorite Kansas song. Song For America is in my top five for sure, and yes the intro and outro is just gorgeous it gets me everytime.
or "what a great opportunity?!"
"kerry was an absolute genius"
INDEED.
K.L. was a pretty unique musician, however this orchestra and all the players in it have studied and played compositions by Mozart, Beethoven, and on and on - people who were real geniuses. I don't think they were in in awe of any of Livgren's compositions or arrangements. That being said I'm a fan and I remember seeing them before hardly anyone knew who they were at the Mankato State College Student Union auditorium (in Minnesota). Kind of sad, I think to see what's left of them. Their music I think is sort of strenuous and the originals are getting on in age. They were though in their day, especially when Livgren and Hope were still with them, one of the finest rock bands around.
I doubt they are thinking "we are not worthy." This is a beautiful song; however there's a lot of beautiful stuff that orchestras play in the "classical" idiom as well.
Here's a story for you that I've shared on Kansas fora. A buddy of mine at the local bars was the conductor for the Trenton Symphony Orchestra and he was responsible for "prepping" the orchestra. He had never heard much of Kansas and said that without the rock band he didn't quite understand what they were trying to accomplish. But it reminded him of the music from Disney's Fantasia.
We both went to the show; but I didn't go with him. We discussed the matter after the fact. But his response was the band was playing so loud he really couldn't hear the orchestra and didn't think it made much of a difference. But I was there too and you could hear how the orchestra enhanced the band.
We were listening with different ears.
Saw them open for boc, cow palace, s.f. 1974. Lsd. What a triip it was. Steve walsh and kerry livgren wrote all these songs, one of the great. Singers of rock history, addictions, recoveries, transformations.
This was the very first Kansas song that I ever heard. They just happened to be the opening act for The Outlaws in Greensboro, NC in 1975. We had never heard of Kansas. This opening song in 1975 blew us away. I saw Kansas again in Omaha in 1981. They were amazing. This video proves that they still are.
We all felt the same way, especially aspiring musicians like me were amazed at emotions these songs evoked; genius song-writing:)
Phillip Spencer The same a few years ago... didnt know, that Kansas wrote such works. I was bored and started the song and it was like: wtf. thats so epic o_O. its still my favorite Kansas-song next to Point of no return.
Ditto on everything you just said - except when I saw them in '75 they were the opening act for Queen, and Jansas seriously blew away even th likes of Freddie Mercury and Brian May. In fact it was a bit of a letdown when Queen finally took te stage as we had just heard the entire SFA album, including Incomudro: Hymn o the Atman. Nobody had ever heard of Kansas, and when they came i out dressed like farmers, complete with "fiddle", everyone was like "where did they come up with this bunch of hillbillies" - that is until they started to play. Most surprisingly fantastic concert ever! Thanks r posting, don't know they I'd this orchestral version.
@@kauaiads Whoa! Saying Kansas outplayed/performed Queen... whoa! That's about as high of praise you can get! I know Queen was intense about their music, too, just like Our Heroes.
Not the first I heard, but the first I owned. Didn't see them live until '92 ... but I was born in Kansas, so I still call it a win. :)
Kansas, olways Kansas this group is a supermarket full of classic everything's : instrumentation, lyrics, choir and multi-instrumentalist...
And Steve in the band ... so distinctive. Wonderful.
One of the greatest concerts I ever attended was at the Capital theater in N.J. was with Rush and Kansas, unbelievable.
I don't care what anyone says music like this does not exist in 2024, sigh
Another Kansas Masterpiece.
The amount of people patting their legs to the beat is so sweet. Kansas is so inspiring.
My sister and I are going to see them in December at the FOX in Atlanta. Can’t wait
You will love it
Phil Ehart is one of the best drummers ever, so good!
He never gets the proper accolade.
@@garynikolich2076 Correct sirs!
Growing up as a drummer he was my fave, the master of syncopation!
Couldn't agree more.
And Neal Peart...?
@@JUSTICE-COMING Of course, Neil was a legendary drummer as well, love him too!However he was much more well known as such.Phil was less showy and more low-key.More underrated.
That bassist can sing....DAMN!
These guys cease to amaze me. Theres a special " magic" whenever Steve Walsh is with band, IMHO. Phil is such an incredible drummer. He could play ANYTHING, any time signature , any complex arrangement
any tempo, etc. This band is too GOOD for the Rock and Roll HOF.
There's a reason why Kansas has been called "America's best band" by so many. After getting blown away by their albums "Song for America, "Leftoverture" and "Point of Know Return", I couldn't agree possibly more with that. Unbelievable.
And so underrated!
Kansas is the heartland's band
Oh Shit! An Orchestra! Kansas was an orchestra in a world of rock! Amazing!
KANSAS, my all time, number one American rock band hands down. I am 55 and as a retired professional drummer from L.A., I never have lost my love for this band and never will. Sad to see, like at a RUSH concert (when they were touring, R.I.P Neil) , most of the front row consists of closet musicians, who's number one goal is to try and let the guys on stage know, that hey look, I can do it too...hahahaha...
I wish they knew how annoying that is to the performers to sit and air drum or air guitar, bros...just sit and enjoy. It makes it harder for the band to connect with a bunch of 50+ year old's acting like 15 years old's.
I just want to say to whomever it is that has taken it upon themselves to share these incredible moments of outstanding music and delivery! Truly deserves Hall of Fame and some.
I imagine that all great violinists in the world, even in those big orchestras in Europe, when they jam at home, after a few beers, this is what they hear in their head! And they know that's such wonderful music could never be a reality. And yet here is the reality of that dream. It's just hard to believe how good it is. This proves that a great band, could keep up with a great orchestra, and actually lead the way.
Yes!!
They still have their wonderfully harmonizing voices!! They were my first concert in 1981 :)
+stephpi100 They were my second concert in 1978 and I have loved every song since.
Mid 70's... seen them 17 times. Always shivers in the spine...! But sadly i ask... when does a BAND become a COVER band...?
.....damn it that song makes me very sad.....those truly were better days
We all talk of how great Steve Walsh is. We cannot help that but the group as a whole is one of a kind!!! How do you get all of that talent in one room? They are messmerizing.😎I said this a month ago and I say it with full heart now they are fantastic. I love the voice of Steve Walsh.
Nothing short of excellent. My friend Bob Fritsch did live photography for Kansas for 6 years. I learned to play drums and sing listening to this band and got to thank them for the lessons. BEST BAND EVER!
I just saw them a couple months ago in Salisbury MA in a small venue. Only a few left, not even Steve Walsh any more, but yet, the spirit of the group lives on. Still a great show, maybe because it takes me back to my high school years, I saw them when they first toured, blew me away then, and still do.
+Rob Seneff I saw them last night in Pittsfield MA. I totally agree with you!! small venue here as well. (i'm 63 and interesting to see us aging "rockers" in the audience . bill
I like the new lead singer Ronnie Platt very much. He has a wonderful sound to his voice. For me, though, Steve Walsh was the man and always will be the man, the Kansas sound was so much about his vocals, no disrespect at all to Mr. Platt.
Carry On Wayward Son...
@@wwonka52 wish I had seen them but never have in concert. I will be 70 soon but feel so much younger listening to these talented men. Steve is missed.
35 years later this song is still awesome--
The very first song that I heard from Kansas and I have hooked ever since
AmI in heaven ? Its soooooo good to hear them again . I love you people . ❤❤❤❤❤ Kansas band for ever. 1976 till now the best to me .😊😊😊😊😊❤❤❤❤❤
Growing up listening to Kansas I remember this song....Awesome Job by the Band and Orchestra
This song...OMG....this song!
One of the top ten intros ever.
The first time I heard it on the radio I thought masterpiece. I was right.
Goose bumps....every time. It never gets old.
This is what real music sounds like...
How can this band not be in the hall of fame 😮
This song slipped from my memory, I had this on 8 track, this music took problems off my mind.
Sound great! Phil Ehart always sounds so crisp.
One of the most beautiful songs ever written ❤️
Many thanks for this rendition of Song for America. As a LONG time Kansas fan, one who has seen them live several times, this would have been a live concert of a lifetime.
They have this song "down to a T" It's perfect. Was not a big Kansas fan back in their heyday. Don't know why. Too busy with Yes, ELP, Jethro Tull, and that whole British rock thing. I was missing out on some great American music. Always loved this tune though.
One of my favorites all time. Saw them in 78 with Van halen. They blew VH out of the building.
Nobody blew VH out of any buildings in 1978.
@@rightchordleadership As much as I vibe Kansas, your comment Ranks as Top comment in this stream, Rock On.
i tend to agree .. totally different bands though
@@rightchordleadership I saw that Tour but the run in the South that VH did with Journey (Steve Perry first tour) and Ronnie Montrose" Open Fire. Van Halen was a revelation. Nobody had seen anything like them. I am no Journey fan, but I have only heard 2 other voices live that were on his level of power and range : Freddie Mercury and Steve Walsh. Those guys could just "blow the roof off the dump," as Letterman used to say...
Side note: Open Fire was badass! Steve Smith on drums pre-Journey.
That would depend on when in '78. VH were just beginning to chart that year and Kansas already had their foot in the door. Otherwise, it would have been a most unusual pairing.
Listening on July 1st, they’re my favorite band from the 70’s. This is superb!!
Right here with you in 2022.
You know that conductor is having the time of his life
Was that Kerry Livgren? He came back once to conduct an orchestra with the band, after he had a stroke.
Wonderful! One of the best progressive rock songs!!
My favorite of Kansas's catalog, and by far the BEST live performance IMO. This song means so much to me. Excellent!
Magnificent, magisterial and a song for the ages. Few groups will ever secure a niche in the prog/rock musical universe as effectively, uniquely and successfully as this band. Yes, ELP, Rush, Floyd, Genesis and a few others have their deserved places of greatness on the Mt Rushmore of prog/rock. Kansas in every way deserves its place with those iconic bands. Robby S. would be quite proud, I think, of how his band sounds in this wonderful iteration.
Ever have a video make your entire day? I was having such a crappy day. Thank you SO much!! Ready to take on the world again. Steve. If you happen to read this. Your voice was a gift to the world and there has never been another. 🙏
This should be played far and wide
Trump should play this song at some his reallies across America. Song for America is absolutely brilliant and courageous!!!
I saw them back in the 80’s on the Power tour. Amazing band!
Great Sounding Band ..
After all these years they are still the epitome of music in my youth and now.
To be backed by a full orchestra, live!! Wow. Images of the Who are banging around in my head.
I have listened so many times to this song when I was 18 Y/O... it is still so beautiful, so nicely composed... that is some music...
One of the few songs that gets me every time.
it does me too. chills all over.
My very first live show was Kansas 13 days before this show in Dallas, Tx with Thin Lizzy! I still love this song, and remember Walsh running through the whole show.
That was my first concert too in Dallas, although I can’t remember what year that was. It had to be around 78. I remember Steve Walsh jetting across the stage to the mic and back to his keyboards. Man, that was a great concert. Thin Lizzy was awesome too.
Just saw my post from 6 years ago about seeing them. Still here at age 70 !😊
Damn Kerry livgren wrote some amazing music
tons
Yes, he did!!
Excellent. Superb. Glorious. Magnificent. Kansas proud!!
Perfect Kansas song to do with an orchestra!!
We use to open up with this song!
Excellent inst’s & VOCALs!!! *** Dang, Steve can still hit those high notes!! Violin is excellent!
Gotta have 2 multi-keyboardist to do it right!! (my brother & I, 20 keyboards in all on stage
🎹🎹😎😎👍👍)
Wow! All of those strings backing up David Ragsdale. Awesome!
One of the best bands of the day. I can almost play Song for an America.
A treat for the ears, so sharp and professional, this one is a real classic.
Brutal version. Just great. Even with the adjusted lead vocal melody... Bought this record the day it came out. Made my night.
Bought this album when it 1st came out and instantly fell in love with it. Had the pleasure of seeing'm do the whole album live back in summer of '74 (I think). Many years pass and I find the cd in a discount bin in a truck stop in Iowa. Popped it in and have been playing it ever since. Only problem is I can't tutn the volume in the truck up load enough!!
Possibly my favourites Kansas album, if I had to choose, but I love all of their albums!
I had not heard anything from Kansas before... as incredibly as it may seem... but I loved this Music, or Better, this piece of Art !!! Everything "matched"... the music itself, the lyrics, the drums, the violin, the synthesizer, the "old" movie clip, etc.
It was really a good surprise !!!
Immerse yourself fully in to their whole catalogue.,You can think me later!
That was f****** amazing. But those black-and-white movie clips we're a real bummer because I wanted to see the incredible musicianship of Kansas instead. That song is one of the most beautiful songs ever written.
OUTSTANDING arrangement of Kerry's truly amazing anthem piece. Well done!
This whole video is impressive, a must for any Kansas fan. Instrumentally very nice! Steve Walsh delivered these songs in a marathon performance with his more mature, heavier vocal timbre, but the young Steve Walsh sound is not altogether gone. Shy away from those original high notes? Not really, Steve is clearly a powerful natural tenor for life (and Mr. Greer helps out, splendidly). All very tastefully sung, too.
But... when does a band become a COVER band..
My very favorite band! First saw them in 1973 as the first band to Elton z John. They were awesome, looking like they'd just arrived from the prairie lands of Kansas. Beautiful music so full of life!
Great, one of my favorite of their songs. Hope I can finally get to see them, they're touring in 2023!!!
Do it! they played near me about six years ago. I walked from my home in Mass. Got the ticket the day before the concert. Never will forget it.
I saw Kansas in 79 at William and Mary college and it was one of the best I have ever seen!!!!!
I was at that show too and I believe Ace was the opening act.Saw Kansas many times whenever they were in the area..
A soaring piece of music!!
Yes!
No other band on this planet could write music that fits in with an orchestra as if it were written for an orchestra! The complexity and at the same time simplicity, simply mind blowing!
Whew! I needed that.
What a buzz this song will give you with headphones! And Kansas- every album was killer- Power, Audio- Visions, and so on, ad infinitum.
I have heard a couple of songs from this concert, just not this one - well done! Steve is seemingly straight and sounds vocally good and keyboards tight. Rest of the band the normal tight. Kansas brought violin to meet Mother Rock, and Mother loved it. A concerto and symphonic sound they had and still have.In my mid 60s, I've played lots of rock music, but never heard another band fabric a violin into their music other than a fill here and there. The music composition itself is complex and requires excellent musicians to pull something this good off. Thank You For This Video, and Thank You Kansas For Decades of Wonderful Music!
outstanding with the orchestra. they sound so fresh! thanks for sharing the video!
sadiepug1 They really do!!
sadiepug1 best orchestral aided song I've ever heard
Chris Wray my thoughts exactly. It really changes it for the better
Was this were Kerry Livgren came back to conduct the orchestra? After his stroke?
Kansas brings so much to the heart
1st time hearing. That was amazing everyone in sync spot on point!! Stunning talent and showmanship.
@ Jayraj below, there is no more that can be said about the talent this band has procured and delivered throughout the years. Kerry was an intuitive mastermind behind every script, Steve delivered it, and the rest of this incredibly talented band, orchestrated every single passage, so beautifully. No epitaph could ever amount to describe the musical inspiration this group of (dare I underrate their capacity as musicians?) artists, has made to the musical world....again, no more said! Gentleman, my inner soul has been touched by your contributions and will remember you till the day I part from this earth!
Such a gorgeous Song and a beautiful perfectly choreographed performance ...God Bless America and return her to Glory , with conscience love loyalty & accountability among our People
Some would say, manifest destiny. I say one of mankind's greatest tragedies! Amazing performance! Thank you Kansas! Thanks for posting!
My first concert was Kansas in 1975. I think I paid $7 for the ticket.
The most beautifully orchestra overlay of a pop tune I've ever heard, this could be entirely instrumental and easily stand on its own
I agree
Thank you for posting. this is one of many incredible songs that Kansas put out
Thank you Robby! 🇺🇸👍🕊️🙏✌️❤️
First saw Kansas in Chicago 1977 Been A Fan Ever Since
I am going to have to say This is Magnificent , Thank You ! ! !
Had no idea BIlly could belt out those notes!!! Awesome band. Awesome performance. Awesome memories.
Yes it is my favorite song for a long time I think you are right 🎉❤