Founded in 1971, Kansas is one of the most famous bands in progressive rock, inspiring many contemporary progressive rock/metal bands. The tracks "Dust in the Wind" and "Carry on Wayward Son" are both well known hits. Formed in Topeka in 1970, the founding members of the group -- guitarist Kerry Livgren, bassist Dave Hope, and drummer Phil Ehart -- first played together while in high school; with the 1971 addition of classically trained violinist Robbie Steinhardt, they changed their name to White Clover, reverting back to the Kansas moniker for good upon the 1972 arrivals of vocalist/keyboardist Steve Walsh and guitarist Richard Williams. The group spent the early part of the decade touring relentlessly and struggling for recognition; initially, their mix of boogie and prog rock baffled club patrons, but in due time they established a strong enough following to win a record deal with the Kirshner label. Kansas' self-titled debut LP appeared in 1974; while only mildly successful, the group toured behind it tirelessly, and their fan base grew to the point that their third effort, 1975's Masque, sold a quarter of a million copies.
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Forward ever ascending on a stairway to heaven
Me and the children and mama make seven
My senses take over as we start to float
Higher and higher on a huge starbound boat
Forward ever ascending, our head in the clouds
I watch as the dolphins tear off all their shrouds
Your head is a halo, it catches the light
As i enter the gates what a glorious sight
Over and over and over and over, over and over and over we go
Over and over and over and over
Higher and higher and higher and higher
Higher and higher on a big black starliner