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Robby Steinhardt Obituary

Robby Steinhardt was the violinist and co-lead singer for the classic rock band Kansas.

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Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Jul. 19, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Robby Steinhardt

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107 Entries

I was lucky to see Kansas in San Diego twice from front and third row center. It was a fantastic show's and I never forget them. To my end I will remember Robbie and the drummer playing their butts off.

Larry McCain

Acquaintance

February 25, 2024

Thank you for the music that touched the heart of 18 year old navy kid in 1977 onboard the uss Lexington in Pensacola fl I’ll never forget you and I too am only dust in wind

William Rodriquez

Student

September 30, 2023

I got to see Kansas for the first time just as Song for America was being released. I've never heard of the band before, and they were not the headliner but there was something about that listing that made me want to see them, and I wasn't disappointed. In fact I thought they stole the show. Naturally Robbie was an exceptionally large part of that both literally and musically. From that day until now I've been a huge Kansas fan particularly those early albums.
Because of that and though I didn't know him personally, had never even met him actually, I am very saddened to hear of Robbie's passing. He had an effect, A lasting effect, on my life one that I will take with me to my grave.

Richard Boettger

Friend

July 18, 2022

Rest in peace Robby. Your brilliant talent will never be forgotten.

Petar Kozul

November 29, 2021

The greatest violin player to ever live

Kevin kellams

Friend

November 22, 2021

To a truly wonderful and talented musician who entertained many & made Kansas Fans feel like part of the Family... May Robby, Rest in Peace... Surely Heaven Waits for You...

John & Barbara K.

Friend

October 24, 2021

I offer my sincere condolences to the Steinhardt family .

Raymond Y

Acquaintance

October 17, 2021

RIP Robby Steinhardt the greatest Rock Violinist and Kansas Frontman! I’ve always dreaded the times that we lose members of the Greatest Band in History, but your influence and admiration lives forever. I met you at my first Wheat and Greet in Jacksonville, sharing dinner with Cindy and great Wheatheads, sharing a video I created of some of your great violin passages, and it was profound for me, but only a drop of the profound way you loved your fans, and the way We loved You. An amazing human being and Angel we’ll love and miss forever!!

Scott (Kansasfan5) Connelly

Friend

October 16, 2021

My condolences to the family a great singer, and violinist .
he will forever be missed

Gary Huff

Friend

September 22, 2021

The Best

Steve Walsh

Friend

September 21, 2021

My condolences to the family

Simon Haberacker

Friend

September 8, 2021

Kansas music shaped my chilhoodin the 1970's. I knew it would the very first seconds I heard it. I listened to it as much or more now than then. Violin meets Rock. What a concept. When music was highly thoughtful,creative and original. Condolences to Robbys family,bandmates and friends.

Darryl Waites

September 2, 2021

Our sincere condolences to Robby Steinhardt family
and friends. He will be missed!

John Swift

Acquaintance

August 23, 2021

I met Robby years ago playing a pinball machine which everyone knows he loved. We later became friends when I worked for a band called Stormbringer. He was the nicest person I was blessed to know and become friends with. I love him as a friend and will miss him dearly. RIP my good friend. I miss you. Greg

Greg Fryar

Friend

August 22, 2021

A couple of friends and I shared a table with Robby, his wife and their two guests at the Benihana in Key West, FL, a few years ago. It's hard to believe such a vibrant personality has passed away. Rest in peace.

Sally

August 21, 2021

Kansas is my favorite band and Mr Stienhardt was the greatest violinist I have ever heard

Mike Wilkerson

Friend

August 19, 2021

May God bless the family and friends of this artist. His violin was the trademark of this amazing band.

Barry Marbut

August 13, 2021

My heartfelt condolences to the family.

Darlene Robinson

August 3, 2021

Rest In Peace Robby

Mary Jo Sanford

August 3, 2021

He was an amazing vocalist and violinist. One of my all time favorites. He will be sorely missed.

Donel Moore

August 3, 2021

I was 10 years old when I first heard Kansas and it changed my perception of what being a traditional Rock band could be, fast forward 40 years later and I met and became friends with Robbie and got to play and write music with him here where I live in Tampa, Florida, one of the nicest gentlemen I ever met and I miss you, All my love my friend to you and your family.

Karl Vinson

Friend

July 31, 2021

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and the music you share will always be remembered.

July 31, 2021

Godspeed my friend. I was lucky enough to meet you at Belterra Casino sometime around 2000. You were gracious to take a photo which I will cherish forever. The indelible mark that you left on my life through your voice and music live with me daily. It has been a true footprint of my life. The world will truly miss your sweet demeanor and smile. Thank you again for being a part of my life since the early 70’s. Rest In Peace.

David Zoeller

Friend

July 29, 2021

There are times in the present when we see genius at work. Hone that craft to some type of perfection. Robbie, Kerry and the whole crew of band members past and present can be seen doing that. I 1st saw Kansas in Greensboro NC 1975. Then Charlotte 1979 and 1985. Absolutely perfect music to enjoy. Sure we can bang our heads. But this was a symphony, of sorts. Bach Mozart Beethoven w some extras and volume on 11 all rolled together. It moved the soul. So Robbie RIP. On the other side.

Phillip Lynn

Friend

July 27, 2021

My condolences go out to the Steinhardt family.

Lee

July 26, 2021

My deeply condolences to the relatives of Robby. He was the reason I became fan of Kansas and the music that formed me as a person. Glad to have met him personally.

Marcel Beijer

July 26, 2021

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Robert Barnidge

Friend

July 26, 2021

Our Deeply Condolences to you, Mr Steinhardt. From KANSASIA Jakarta Indonesia. May you Rest In Peaceful and Warm in Heaven

Fadhil Indra Perdana

Friend

July 25, 2021

RIP Robby, you were truly a nice guy and so talented. Cindy and Becky I am so sorry for your loss.

Bev wALL

Acquaintance

July 25, 2021

What may in Kansas different from other bands was really Robbie Steinhardts playing. He will be truly missed. It's nice that we can visit him once in awhile in past concerts on YouTube.

Robert Monte

Friend

July 25, 2021

I see the band when I was 16 yrs. old and now I’m 64 yrs. and listened to their albums all of my life. When Robby first got on stage and started playing he would put you in a trans and the band would rock on hard. You were good Rest In Peace.

Robert Neitzel

July 24, 2021

My deepest sympathy to His family and friends.
I was fortunate to have seen Kansas and Frankie Marino and Mahogany Rush in 1979 at the old Boston Garden.
They were an excellent band and Robby was great on his violin.
He will be missed by countless fans worldwide and will live on through his music.
May He Rest In Peace.

David Burns

Other

July 24, 2021

One of the greatest bands ever. Robby is the only man on the planet that can make a violin perfect for a rock band. Rest in peace, God Bless all.

Thomas McCormick

July 24, 2021

RIP one of my inspirations. Followed you and the band since the beginning. Saw you many times as well. I Will always have a special place in my heart for your music and voice.

Nick Connolly

Other

July 24, 2021

The best song of the century, in my opinion.This song sums it all up.RIP

Gary Gaulien

Friend

July 24, 2021

My deepest condolences to the Steinhardt family. May you find comfort
in your treasured memories of Robby and May God continue to comfort you in the days, months and years ahead.

July 24, 2021

He was extraordinarily talented and I loved his harmony and powerful violin solos.
He was also a great singer. But the violin music was very unusual and moving!
One could tell that he was a gentle soul! Rest In Peace Robbie!
A devoted fan!

July 23, 2021

A big fan of Kansas ! Was Sorry to hear of his passing! Thanks for the "Great" music...

Donna

Other

July 23, 2021

Thank You Robby for gracing us with your incredible presence, kindness and musicianship! You put a real thrill in this 16 year old kid (at the time), who snuck backstage at the San Diego show in 1978 and handed me backstage passes to the LA forum show two days later. Rest In Peace dear friend. You were my fav! My sincerest condolences go out to Cindy, family and friends.
“Leaving Earth, Welcome to Heaven friend”

Chuck Almond

Acquaintance

July 23, 2021

My condolences.

July 23, 2021

I didn't know much about him.i saw band back in the 80s,first concert I ever saw.am sorry for his family.

cindy hammel

Acquaintance

July 23, 2021

My most sincere condolences to Robby’s family and friends. We were all blessed to have him share his musical talent with us . Rest peacefully Robby . Your music plays on .

Susan Kennedy

July 23, 2021

Cindy , My Condolences to You And Robbys Daughter Becky. I always looked forward to the first sat every
Month when Stormbringer would play and Robby sitting in for a whole set of Kansas songs At Buckets. Robby was A Legend And I Was Proud To Know Him. RIP Jeff H

Jeff Hatjioannou

Friend

July 23, 2021

My name is Gregg Bennett, I’m from Bogalusa, Louisiana and got to meet Robbie and the guys from Kansas at Studio in the Country in 1976 when they were recording Leftoverture. I was a 12 year old drum student of Ray Black at SITC and got to hang out with Phil Ehart, drummer for Kansas and got to watch some recording sessions. I was the coolest 12 year old ever hanging with the Kansas krewe, as we call it here in Louisiana. RIP Robbie Steinhardt, you were a true musical genius!

Gregg Bennett

Acquaintance

July 22, 2021

My brother met Robby and he said he was so nice to him. A wonderful guy and a brilliant musician who never sold himself out.

E M

July 22, 2021

RIP Robby.

Katie

Friend

July 22, 2021

Thank you so much for the music...

Taylor Landthrip

Brother

July 22, 2021

Robbie was a cool guy with cool stories; his home lined with gold and platinum records and a story for everyone if them; his relationship circles were small, but he usually had a smile and witty come back for most; In the studio with Steinhardt-Moon project, his ear was impeccable and his vocals were spot on; he was a commanding presence when playing live on stage and he will be missed; he touched generations of adoring fans; my heart goes out to him and his family as well as the Stormbringer and their extended family... RIP Robbie

Bob (EBO) koman

Friend

July 22, 2021

Scott Chamberland

July 22, 2021

Our sincere condolences to the family of Robby Steinhardt.

David Veith

Friend

July 22, 2021

Dust in the wind brother,all we are is dust in the wind. R.I.P. brother.Will miss you.

Fred Gorecki

Significant_other

July 22, 2021

Huge Kansas fan going to miss you brother RIP god bless

Tom Arcuri

Other

July 21, 2021

Kansas fan.
Amazing musician singer and song lyrics.
you will be missed!

Mark Aulenbacher

Friend

July 21, 2021

My deepest condolences for Robby. He was one of the hard hitting influences for me playing the violin. “Carry on my wayward son”

Kevin Charleville

July 21, 2021

To the family

May the God of all comfort be with you as a source of comfort and strength.

July 21, 2021

Rest in peace! You will be missed!

Nena Norris

Acquaintance

July 21, 2021

Loved all the music that y'all gave us. Dust in the wind was always one of my favorites. R.I.P. Robby.

Helen Allard

Friend

July 21, 2021

First I send my condolences to the family during this tremendous loss. May the wind blowing through the trees and the chorus of birds bring a song of peace and lighten your heavy heart and on a warm summers night I can here him say.
Speaking for all fans we want to thank you for sharing him with us knowing the sacrifices you made. The music he created inspired and lifted my brothers and I from difficulties at early age by simply dropping a needle on a record. We are grateful and will all carry on till we lay our weary heads to rest, don’t you cry no more

The Snieckus Family

July 21, 2021

God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's...My condolence.

July 21, 2021

Lifetime Kansan and lifetime Kansas fan. Robbie Steinhardt showed us that a violin adds that extra to rock music. It set Kansas the band apart from the rest. Thanks Robbie.

Ronda

July 21, 2021

Backlit by stage lights, Robby welcomed in the new year in 1979 in Long Beach, California. His professionalism, stage formality and commanding presence as emcee always stood in stark contrast to other megabands of the seventies. I still can feel the chills when hearing "Good Evening, and Welcome to Kansas!" Thank you, Robby, for enriching my life in multiple facets. As Kerry said, "Life is amusing, though we are losing . . . drowned in tears of awe."

Terry Maxwell

Friend

July 21, 2021

You were great brother. RIP.

David Crowe

July 21, 2021

I really enjoyed your music, voice and violin. RIP.

Debbie Albert

Acquaintance

July 21, 2021

Robby and Kansas were great...needed some more songs...RIP Robby...all we are is dust in the wynd,,,

Reeb Zee

Other

July 21, 2021

My prayers are with the family. Robby you brought so much joy and peace to my heart. Thank you Brother, Rest in peace.

Roberto Hernandez

Friend

July 21, 2021

Shocked to hear this.Thank god his work will always be with us.

Doug Lantz

July 20, 2021

Such a talent! You will be missed for sure. Heaven has a new #1 violin player now. Your music will live on forever Robby!

Robert Russell II

Acquaintance

July 20, 2021

My condolences to the family of this legend, he was a great violinist and singer, from my heart and mind he will forever be missed

Julius Rose

July 20, 2021

""I CAN'T GRASP THEFACT THAT ROBBY IS NO LONGER WITH US, ""IT JUST GRABS AT YOU FROM ALL ANGLES, ""EVERYTHING THAT KANSAS HAS-RECORDED IS OF LANDMARK-STATUS, ""I RECALL KANSAS PLAYING LIVE AT TASTE OF CHICAGO BACK IN 2000, ""I RECALL THEIRNEW CD RELEASE AT THETIME, ""ROBBY, WHERE-EVER YOUARE NOW TAKE IT EASY, ""WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER AND KEEPYOU IN OUR HEARTS AND OUR MINDS, ""YOUNEVER DID DIE BECAUSE YOU CONTINUE TO LIVE ON IN YOURMUSIC, ""WE LOVEYOU ROBBY""!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*

U NEWTON

Friend

July 20, 2021

RIP Robby

Teresa Whitt

July 20, 2021

First time I ever met Robby was when I was at the 49th Street Mining Co. when I was 15. I knew he was somebody with that monster hair. When I was 21, I saw him play with Kansas at Clark AB Philippines around 1987 at a USO tour. For many years, I continued to see him out and about in the Tampa Bay area my entire lifetime..... every time I reminded him I was that kid from the Mining Company. He laughed and we chatted.... He always took the time and was super friendly! Last time I saw him was at the Jimmie Hendrix Experience at Ruth Eckard Hall and we had a drink. Thanks for your genuine kindness, you were a such a nice person always. Dust In The Wind was one of he most beautiful songs I've ever heard..... RIP BIG Brother, Your friend Little Rob

Rob D

Acquaintance

July 20, 2021

rock on

frank campbell

Friend

July 20, 2021

Godspeed Robby, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us, and the wonderful music memories.

Harry Simpson

July 20, 2021

Kansas Masque, have been a FANatic since the first time I heard that beautiful album, Rock, In , Peace

Kevin Kriske

Friend

July 20, 2021

You're now stringing on a gold violin up there. Rest well, you've earned your gold wings.

Shelly

Other

July 20, 2021

It's a sad sad day in the music world, you will be missed!

Kenneth Calton

Friend

July 20, 2021

Carry on our wayward sonwe are all just dust in the wind. God Bless.

Jeff Northcutt

July 20, 2021

His violin & his voice will be missed. KANSAS FOREVER!!! We Love You, Robby

July 20, 2021

I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Robby Steinhardt. Music is the language of the heart and Robby’s contribution to that was very much appreciated. May God give your family comfort and peace as you mourn his loss. Philippians 4:7

Chris

July 20, 2021

Almost every day I ask Alexa for a Kansas song for me to rock to and sing along as I work in my kitchen. Now I know You might be playing along from up above. It was always such a pleasure listening to you. Peace be with you

Rosanne

July 20, 2021

Our deepest condolences to the family. We pray that God continues to strengthen and comfort the family during this extremely difficult time.

July 20, 2021

My deepest condolences to Robby's family and acquaintances within the music industry

Ginger

July 20, 2021

Robby Steinhardt, Your Music Will Live On...
You Were Always available to Your Fans
My Deepest Heart Felt Condolences To His Family.
Requiescat In Pace’ Pax Aeterna

William Jordan

Friend

July 20, 2021

I am saddened to hear this news. My thoughts and love to his family.

Jennifer Breedlove

July 20, 2021

Sorry to hear that love there music paryers go to the family

Alan zeboski

July 20, 2021

we are so sorry to hear of robby's passing , he was a legend , but firstly he was a great human being , our condolonces to his family and friends .

lori and billy clopton

July 20, 2021

Robby, You were my favorite musician for over 45 years! You were the unique sound of Kansas. I will miss you...Godspeed and Carry on.

Gary Segretario

Friend

July 19, 2021

RIP. Mans was a legend.

Patrick

Other

July 19, 2021

I saw you and your bandmates in concert many times here in Philly. Always a great show. Your talent and voice will be missed. Another rock legend is up in the heavens playing for the big man. RIP Robby

stephen celommi

Friend

July 19, 2021

I had the pleasure of meeting Robby a few times in Tampa. He was a great guy and his music will live forever. My condolences to his wife , family, and the Kansas family.

Steve Sitaras

Friend

July 19, 2021

Sorry to hear he pasted he was a great singer an he will be missed

Darrell Williams

July 19, 2021

Your music is very powerful, enjoyed your wisdom for over 35 years . Amen Sir .. Dust in the Wind.

Mr Guy

July 19, 2021

Rest In Peace. You will be missed.

Bob Riha Jr.

Acquaintance

July 19, 2021

Because of Robby Steinhardt's violin, Kansas has always been close to my heart, and I am devastated with the news of his passing. In 2002, I had the privilege of meeting him in person as a stage-struck fan, and he was genuinely nice to me. I will always be thankful that I got to tell him that it was his violin that gave Kansas its signature sound. His solo on "Nobody's Home" is one of the most beautiful ever recorded of any instrument. This is an incalculable loss to the world of music.

Michael Cicero

July 19, 2021

Thank you for all the amazing years of music.

Tonya Hoover

July 19, 2021

Terrible news. What a great singer and musician. I was fortunate to see him on a reunion tour in the early 2000s in trenton. A legend for one of the greatest bands. So sorry for the family

Erik Allesee

July 19, 2021

Member of one of the Best Bands of all time...Thanks for the Music,rest in Peace,as You are now Dust in the Wind,Love Bud

Bud Hunt

Other

July 19, 2021

A wonderful and soulful person. This is not meant to be morbid, but the song Dust in the Wind is my final request to be played upon my passing. RIP sir as I remember you and your Kansas band mates. I will honor and remember you always. God Bless your family.

Don Ventura

Friend

July 19, 2021

RIP Robby. Go play some great music at your new location in your new life.

James Jones

Friend

July 19, 2021

Robby was a kind of heart to heart guy. We had some great conversations. My family sends our deepest condolences to yours for the loss of your precious one. May God be with you at this time.

Mary Sisk-Sickles

Acquaintance

July 19, 2021

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