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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Upon the page, symbolic form,
Both a miracle and yet the norm
The functions clear,
Sum and difference will soon
Transform
Equations chain, lies in His hand,
Voice authority will dance command
Solution's true, line of measure will
Divide, expand
Myriad, see the numbers as they're
Counting down
Thousands and thousands
Myriad, form and function to display
The sound
Line upon line every melody points
The way
The cycle turns, like Heaven's gate,
Unknown integers predestinate
Calculating all we must explore, and
Navigate
Quantities no man can know,
No formula to wield
No pages left to turn,
No choices but to yield