A Once Wayward Son Carries On
Former Kansas mastermind Kerry Livgren explored many of the world's religions before coming to Christ almost three decades ago—and he's remained on that path ever since.
by Andy Argyrakis | posted 3/06/2006
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Classic rock fans probably remember Kansas for singles like "Carry On Wayward Son," "Point of Know Return," and "Dust In the Wind." But long before those days, the band's rotating lineup was steeped in progressive and classical experimentation, a la Yes and Genesis. Composer and guitarist Kerry Livgren was a main component from Kansas's very beginning, helping shape its sound and commercial breakthroughs. Right at fame's peak, Livgren turned over a new personal leaf, turning to Christianity after knocking on a bunch of dead end doors. He left Kansas a few years later to work on numerous projects including the group AD, solo CDs and even a one-off reunion record. His latest band Proto-Kaw actually links Livgren back with some alums from the pre-radio days of Kansas. Proto-Kaw's sophomore CD The Wait of Glory mixes progressive rock, jazz, and jam elements with spiritual songwriting. We recently caught up with Livgren for a telephone conversation from the studio.
(photo courtesy of Kevin Stefanik for ProtoKaw.com)
You apparently explored various religions before coming to Christianity, right?
Kerry Livgren I was a classic religious seeker. When I was nine years old, my grandmother and my families' best friend died in the same week. When you see death on TV and in movies, it's not real, but then suddenly you're immersed in it and it leaves you reeling. It caused a change in nature where I knew I was going to live forever, and if I wasn't going to, I had to find out why I was here. With that awareness of my own finality, I began a quest.
In high school I was with a group of friends who were into music and the meaning of life. When I graduated, I was involved in every one of major world religions and minor ones, scraping the bottom of barrel to find one. I ended up a devotee of the Urantia Book, where the central figure was Jesus—but a different Jesus and gospel than the Bible. I met another musician who was into spiritual pursuits; I tried to lead him to Urantia, and he tried to lead me to Christ.
At what point did you actually come to the faith?
Livgren I've been a Christian since July 25, 1979 at 3 a.m. It was the classic story of a prodigal. When success hit for Kansas, it was a different test as a Christian because I got everything this world says you should go after—in abundance. I was a successful songwriter and musician with fame and fortune, but at the same time I was now a follower of Jesus Christ and was not to be of the world. It was an unusual kind of struggle, but with the grace of the Lord able to maintain the right perspective.
What did the others in Kansas think of this change?
Livgren As long as the other guys had known me, I'd always been a charter member in the religion of the month club, and there were always implications of that in my songwriting. When I was a Buddhist they didn't care, and with Hinduism there was really no friction. But the minute there was the faintest aroma of Jesus, I began to see fireworks. At first they thought it was another phase I would go through, but it wasn't. I came on hard and fast right out of the box. I might have handled differently, but in any case it was a point of division. A lot of people think I left because of my faith, which is not really true. By the time I left, Steve [Walsh], our singer, had left because he could no longer handle the lyrics. Shortly thereafter the violinist was gone, and it was time for me to move on with AD. Kansas is still very much functioning and working very hard. God bless them.
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