Robby Steinhardt, a founding member and original violinist and singer for the progressive rock band Kansas, passed away on July 17, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.
Robert Eugene Steinhardt was born on May 25, 1950 in Lawrence, Kansas. He had classical music training and later joined rock bands, including White Clover which later changed its name to Kansas.
Robby Steinhardt’s masterful violin and vocals appeared on famous songs like “Dust in The Wind”, “Point Of No Return” and “Carry On My Wayward Son” and the progressive rock epic Leftoverture.
Robby stayed with Kansas until 1983. After that, he led his own band, Steinhardt-Moon and was a member of the Stormbringer Band from 1990 to 1996. He also took part in the Jethro Tull tribute album, To Cry You a Song: A Collection of Tull Tales (Magna Carta Records).
In 1997, Steinhardt rejoined Kansas and stayed until 2006.
Robby had been recording his new album with producer Michael Franklin, who put together an all-star cast of famous musicians in support of Robby’s comeback. Steinhardt was very proud of this project, scheduled for release in late 2021. He had started rehearsals for a national tour when he became ill.
Robby is survived by his wife Cindy, and daughter Becky. Steinhardt was 71 years old.
A memorial will be announced in the future.