Kerry Allen Livgren (born September 18, 1949) is an American musician
and songwriter, best known as one of the founding members and primary
songwriters for the 1970s progressive rock band Kansas.Livgren was
raised in Topeka, Kansas by his father, Allen Leroy, an industrial
engineer, and his mother, Betty (nee McElhiney). He was drawn to music
at a young age, and his first musical interests developed with
classical and jazz influences. His musical odyssey started with an
electric guitar he built using a cheap Stella guitar, a Sears
amplifier and a low-quality Astatic microphone. Along with learning
guitar, Livgren also focused on learning to write songs due to his
desire for more creative expression and originality. He attended
Washburn University for some time.Livgren was a member of numerous
bands in the late 1960s and early 1970s and quickly developed a
reputation for complex compositions and poetic lyrics that explored
spiritual themes. His investigations into various religions are
reflected in the lyrics of his songs on Kansas' first six albums.
and songwriter, best known as one of the founding members and primary
songwriters for the 1970s progressive rock band Kansas.Livgren was
raised in Topeka, Kansas by his father, Allen Leroy, an industrial
engineer, and his mother, Betty (nee McElhiney). He was drawn to music
at a young age, and his first musical interests developed with
classical and jazz influences. His musical odyssey started with an
electric guitar he built using a cheap Stella guitar, a Sears
amplifier and a low-quality Astatic microphone. Along with learning
guitar, Livgren also focused on learning to write songs due to his
desire for more creative expression and originality. He attended
Washburn University for some time.Livgren was a member of numerous
bands in the late 1960s and early 1970s and quickly developed a
reputation for complex compositions and poetic lyrics that explored
spiritual themes. His investigations into various religions are
reflected in the lyrics of his songs on Kansas' first six albums.
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