Editing Kerry Livgren (section)

=== Early years: 1960s–1973 ===
Livgren was a member of numerous bands in the late 1960s and early 1970s and developed a reputation for complex compositions and poetic lyrics that explored spiritual themes. His investigations into various religions are reflected in the lyrics of his songs on Kansas' first six albums.

Livgren formed his first band, the Gimlets, with several close friends in high school, including John Pribble, drums, Scott Kessler, bass, Tim Strauss, guitar, and Dan Wright on keyboards.  They soon found themselves booked after school and on weekends throughout Kansas and neighboring Missouri, where they played their original compositions, a blend of pop, English and psychedelic rock. After graduating from Topeka West High School in 1967, Livgren continued to perform with the Gimlets through college before joining a predominantly black mainstream rhythm-and-blues band named the Mellotones, in which he met keyboard player Don Montre in 1969.

Forming a friendship, Livgren and Montre decided to leave the Mellotones and join the more commercially viable band [[Kansas (band)|the Reasons Why]], which included [[Lynn Meredith]] and Wright. Though this band was doing well financially, Livgren became frustrated because of his desire for more creative expression, and he and Montre decided to start their own band. They briefly re-formed the Gimlets with former members Scott Kessler and Wright along with several new members. A short time later, they renamed the band Saratoga, after the name on the pencil that Livgren was using to write songs. Saratoga included Meredith, Montre, Wright, Livgren, [[Phil Ehart]] and [[Dave Hope]].

In 1970, Livgren and Ehart decided to form a new group by combining the best members from Saratoga and Phil's band [[White Clover]] (which included [[Steve Walsh (musician)|Steve Walsh]], [[Rich Williams]], Hope and [[Jeff Glixman]]). While Livgren and Ehart were discussing what to call the new band, Hope walked in on the conversation and suggested they call themselves Kansas. This version of Kansas (referred to as "Kansas I" by fans) was known for its complex musical arrangements and originality, but the lineup lasted for only one year.

In 1971, Ehart and Hope left the group, and Livgren reworked the band and continued it under the name Kansas. (This group later became known by fans as Kansas II and is the lineup that re-formed decades later as [[Proto-Kaw]]). Kansas II continued to perform Livgren's original works, which fused experimental rock with psychedelia and jazz. During this time, Kansas II recorded a demo cassette that was released commercially 30 years later. Kansas II generated a loyal fan following, and the built-in audience helped the band secure concert bookings. However, financial problems plagued the band, and after a record deal with [[Jefferson Airplane]]'s label failed to materialize and an old school bus broke down while the band was on the road touring, the band dissolved in 1973.

Shortly afterward, Livgren was invited by Ehart to join the re-formed White Clover, which also included vocalist Walsh, violinist [[Robby Steinhardt]], bassist Hope, guitarist Williams and Ehart on drums. Before Livgren joined the band, White Clover had sent out a five-song demo tape, which [[Don Kirshner]] was interested in for his new label. As part of the effort to sign with Kirshner, the players soon renamed themselves [[Kansas (band)|Kansas]], becoming the third, and eventually the best-known, lineup to use the name.