Song for America (Live 2019)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Song for America (Live 2019)" by Kansas, from their album Point of Know Return (Live & Beyond), for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This track, a fan favorite, is a soaring, progressive rock epic that showcases the band’s knack for blending intricate musicianship with heartfelt storytelling. According to a review on Velvet Thunder, the live version from the 2019-2020 tour is “superbly executed,” capturing the song’s timeless energy and complex interplay between guitar and keyboard. The song itself, originally from the 1975 album Song for America, was inspired by guitarist/keyboardist Kerry Livgren’s reflections on America’s beauty and potential, as he shared in a 2014 Goldmine Magazine interview, noting how the album’s artwork, painted by Peter Lloyd, was designed to reflect the song’s themes of exploration and hope. Fun fact: the iconic logo Kansas uses today was first introduced on that album’s cover, a detail drummer Phil Ehart proudly highlighted in the same interview.

Delving into the song’s live performance, the 2019 rendition featured on Point of Know Return (Live & Beyond) was recorded during Kansas’s 40th anniversary tour for their seminal album Point of Know Return. Guitarist Rich Williams, in a 2020 Classic Rock Bob interview, recalled the tour’s electric atmosphere, emphasizing how performing classics like "Song for America" alongside newer material kept the band’s legacy fresh. The live album, co-produced by Ehart and Williams, was mixed by Chad Singer and includes no overdubs, preserving the raw energy of those 12 shows, as noted on Discogs. Fans on Kansas’s official Facebook page have shared stories of how this song’s extended live solos, especially David Ragsdale’s violin, brought tears to their eyes, connecting them to the band’s early days. The track’s themes of discovery also resonate with the band’s ongoing journey, as they celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2023, a milestone marked by their official website with tour updates and a charity campaign for America’s fallen.

Kansas got their start in Topeka, Kansas, in 1973, emerging from the ashes of two local bands: Kerry Livgren’s Kansas lineup and the progressive rock group White Clover. As detailed on Wikipedia, the band formed when Livgren joined forces with White Clover members Phil Ehart (drums), Dave Hope (bass), Robby Steinhardt (violin/vocals), Steve Walsh (vocals/keyboards), and Rich Williams (guitar). Their big break came in 1973 when Don Kirshner’s assistant, Wally Gold, caught their demo tape and saw them perform in Ellinwood, Kansas, leading to a deal with Kirshner Records. Their self-titled debut album in 1974, featuring tracks like "Can I Tell You," laid the groundwork for their unique blend of hard rock, southern rock, and progressive influences, inspired by bands like Yes and Genesis. By 1976, their album Leftoverture, with the hit "Carry On Wayward Son," catapulted them to fame, followed by Point of Know Return in 1977, cementing their status as classic rock icons.

Today, Kansas remains active, with a current lineup featuring Ehart, Williams, Ronnie Platt (vocals/keyboard), Tom Brislin (keyboards), Joe Deninzon (violin/guitar), and Dan McGowan (bass/vocals). Their official social media keeps fans connected: follow them on Facebook (1.5M likes), Instagram, and X. For deeper fan engagement, check out the Kansas Band Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can swap stories and setlists. The band’s official website offers tour dates, merch, and updates on releases like their 2020 album The Absence of Presence. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, Kansas’s music and legacy continue to inspire, as their live performances prove they’re anything but dust in the wind.