Richard John Williams (born February 1, 1950) is an American guitarist, primarily known for being one of the only consistent original members of the rock band Kansas alongside drummer Phil Ehart. Both have appeared on every Kansas album to date.[1]
Rich Williams | |
|---|---|
 Williams performing with Kansas in 2017 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Richard John Williams |
| Born | February 1, 1950 Topeka, Kansas, U.S. |
| Genres | Rock, progressive rock |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument | Guitar |
Career
editWilliams shared guitar duties with keyboardist/guitarist Kerry Livgren until 1984 when Kansas first broke up, and later from 1990 to 1991 and 1999 to 2000. From 1985 to 1991, he shared guitar-playing with Steve Morse, and later with Zak Rizvi from 2016 to 2021. Since April 2021, Williams has served as the band's only dedicated guitarist, as he also did from 1991 to 1999, and 2000 to 2016. In live performances, violinist Joe Deninzon serves as a second guitarist when the song being played contains little or no violin, as did his predecessor, David Ragsdale. Williams and Phil Ehart are the only two founding members of Kansas who have never left the band and have played on all Kansas albums. Among the songs Williams co-wrote with the band are "Can I Tell You", "No Room for a Stranger", and the hit "Play the Game Tonight".
In 2009, Williams, along with fellow Kansas members Ehart, Billy Greer, and David Ragsdale, formed a group called Native Window that released one album.
Discography
editKansas
editNative Window
edit- Native Window (2009)
As a guest
edit- Steve Walsh – Schemer-Dreamer (1980) (on "Schemer-Dreamer/That's All Right")
- Seventh Key – Seventh Key (2001) (on "Missy", "Every Time It Rains" and "No Man's Land")
- John Elefante – On My Way to The Sun (2013) (on "This Is How The Story Goes")
Personal life
editWilliams lost his right eye in a childhood fireworks accident. He wore a prosthetic eye for many years but now wears an eye patch instead.[2][3] As a child, Williams began playing a ukulele but quickly transitioned to guitar. His early influences included the Beatles and the overall British Invasion.[4] In 2020, Williams and his wife, Debbie, relocated to Linville, North Carolina.[citation needed] Williams is also a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.
References
edit- ^ Discogs – Rich Williams discography
- ^ DuBray, James (March 3, 2009). "Rich Williams speaks to Scene". The Observer. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
- ^ Lalaina, Joe (April 20, 2015). "Dear Guitar Hero: Richard Williams Discusses Kansas' History, Versatility and Lasting Influence". Guitar World. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
- ^ "An Interview with Richard Williams of Kansas, Appearing at Atlantic City's Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on May 31 and June 1". Medium. May 18, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
External links
edit- Richard Williams fan site
- Rich Williams at IMDb
- Rich Williams discography at Discogs
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