May 22, 2023 – The band KANSAS would like to thank violinist David Ragsdale for his decades of dedicated musicianship as he departs the band to focus on personal matters.

David first joined KANSAS in 1991, reinstating the iconic violin sound into the band. His first tenure with the band lasted until 1996. During that time, he appeared on live album ‘Live at the Whiskey’ and the studio album ‘Freaks of Nature.’

Ragsdale rejoined KANSAS in 2006 and has been a constant with the band for the past 17 years.

“For 23 years, David Ragsdale has been the best bandmate anyone could ever hope to work with,” comments KANSAS manager and original drummer Phil Ehart. “He reinserted the band’s signature violin after years of its absence. Since then, he’s been a critical member of the KANSAS family. I speak for the entire organization in saying we will miss him and wish him all the best.”

David performed more than 1,600 concerts with KANSAS. He appeared on three studio albums (Freaks of Nature, The Prelude Implicit, and The Absence of Presence) and four live albums (Live at the Whiskey, There’s Know Place Like Home, Leftoverture Live & Beyond, and Point of Know Return Live & Beyond).

Ragsdale’s departure will not impact any KANSAS performance scheduling. A new KANSAS violinist will be announced in the coming days.

Photo Credit: Emily Butler