Rich Williams

Infobox Musical artist
Name = Rich Williams


Img_capt = Rich Williams
Background = non_vocal_instrumentalist
Birth_name =
Alias =
Born = birth date and age|1951|2|1
Instrument = Guitar
Genre = Rock, arena rock, progressive rock
Occupation = Musician
Years_active =
Label =
Associated_acts = Kansas

Rich Williams (born February 1, 1951 in Topeka, Kansas, U.S.) is the guitarist for the rock band Kansas, and has been with them since their 1974 self-titled debut album. Rich lost his right eye when he was a pre-teen. He wore a glass eye for many years, but now wears an eye patch instead.

In the beginning, Williams shared guitar duties with keyboardist/guitarist Kerry Livgren. Livgren was also Kansas' chief songwriter. In the late '80s, Williams shared the stage with guitar virtuoso Steve Morse. Years later, after some personnel changes in Kansas, Williams found himself as the only guitar player. While Livgren's sound could be described as virtouisic and bright, Williams style was well balanced with his melodic and mellow sound.

Among the songs he co-wrote with the band are "Don't Open Your Eyes," and "No Room for a Stranger."

Discography

*"Device, Voice, Drum" (2002)
*"Somewhere to Elsewhere" (2000)
*"King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents Kansas" (1999)
*"Always Never the Same" (1998)
*"Freaks of Nature" (1995)
*"Live at the Whisky" (1992)
*"In the Spirit of Things" (1988)
*"Power" (1986)
*"The Best of Kansas" (1984)
*"Drastic Measures" (1983)
*"Vinyl Confessions" (1982)
*"Audio-Visions" (1980)
*"Monolith" (1979)
*"Two for the Show" (1978)
*"Point of Know Return" (1977)
*"Leftoverture" (1976)
*"Masque" (1975)
*"Song for America" (1974)
*"Kansas" (1974)

External links

* [http://www.meatwall.com Richard Williams fan site]
* [http://www.houseofshred.com/interviews/inter_richwilliams.htm House of Shred: Interview with Rich Williams]