Rich Williams

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Rich Williams
Rich Williams (Centre)
Background information
Genre(s)	Rock Arena rock Progressive Rock
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instrument(s)	Guitar
Associated acts	Kansas

Rich Williams (born February 1, 1951 in Topeka, Kansas, USA) is the guitarist for the rock band Kansas, and has been with them since their 1974 self-titled debut album.

Rich lost his right eye when he was a pre-teen. He wore a glass eye for many years, but now wears an eye patch instead. Over the years, Williams packed on over 100lbs, but recently lost the weight and is looking quite healthy.

William's style could be described as tasteful. He's not a flashy player like his 70's counter-part Kerry Livgren, but he is a solid rhythm player and his riffs & solos are melodically well crafted.

In the beginning, William's shared guitar duties with keyboardist/guitarist Kerry Livgren. The latter also being Kansas' chief songwriter. In the late 80's, Williams shared the stage with guitar virtuoso Steve Morse. Years later, after some personnel changes in Kansas, William's found himself as the only guitar player. Having to handle all of the guitar parts would be challenging enough in any band that normally employs two guitarists, considering the complexity of Kansas' arrangements with all of the time signature & key changes, etc, and one has to realize that this guy has chops well above the average pro-player.

Rich is an easy-going family man who fans and press describe as very approachable and highly good-natured.

[edit] Discography

Device, Voice, Drum (2002)
Somewhere to Elsewhere (2000)
King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents Kansas (1999)
Always Never the Same (1998)
Freaks of Nature (1995)
Live at the Whisky (1992)
In the Spirit of Things (1988)
Power (1986)
The Best of Kansas (1984)
Drastic Measures (1983)
Vinyl Confessions (1982)
Audio-Visions (1980)
Monolith (1979)
Two for the Show (1978)
Point of Know Return (1977)
Leftoverture (1976)
Masque (1975)
Song for America (1974)
Kansas (1974)

[edit] External links

Kansas
Phil Ehart \| Billy Greer \| David Ragsdale \| Steve Walsh \| Richard Williams
Dave Hope \| Kerry Livgren \| Robby Steinhardt \| John Elefante \| Steve Morse \| Greg Robert
Discography
Studio albums: Kansas \| Song for America \| Masque \| Leftoverture \| Point of Know Return \| Monolith \| Audio-Visions \| Vinyl Confessions \| Drastic Measures \| Power \| In the Spirit of Things \| Freaks of Nature \| Always Never the Same \| Somewhere to Elsewhere
Live albums: Two for the Show \| Live at the Whisky \| King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents Kansas \| Device, Voice, Drum
Compilations: The Best of Kansas \| Carry On \|The Kansas Boxed Set \| The Best of Kansas (expanded) \| The Ultimate Kansas \| Sail On: The 30th Anniversary Collection \| On the Other Side \| Works in Progress