Richard Williams is the guitar player and one of the founding members of Kansas. Born in Topeka, Kansas, he has been a key figure in shaping the band’s signature sound for more than five decades, where his solid and melodic guitar work provides the backbone to Kansas’ complex arrangements night after night. Despite losing his right eye in a childhood accident, he pursued guitar with passion and skill. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, he became part of the local music scene, eventually joining drummer Phil Ehart in White Clover, the band that would evolve into KANSAS. Rich remained a consistent member throughout the many lineup changes KANSAS has experienced over the decades, and continues to tour and record with the band. He holds the distinction of being one of only two members who have played on every single KANSAS album and participated on every KANSAS tour.

Richard Uses: Gibson Guitars, PRS Guitars, Martin & Co., Kemper, Moody Guitar Straps, Planet Waves, Matrix, LR Baggs Pre-amps, Uncle Albert’s