RIP Robby Steinhardt - Kansas Violinist

[garyhead]

May not have any Alembic ties, but a Giant (literally) in the Rock World
From his Wife's Page:
 
 It is with an extremely heavy broken heart that I have to announce to the world, we have lost one of the most incredible people of our time….
 
 Robby Steinhardt has passed away.
 
 Our final journey started May 13 when Robby was admitted into the hospital with acute pancreatitis. Later that night he went into acute septic shock and was placed on life support.  Outlook was very grave as he wasn’t expected to live through the night. 
 
 Like the true fighter he is, he managed to spring back much to the amazement of his entire medical staff. Once again he cheated death and the road to recovery had begun.
 
 65 days later, on the day he was to be released from medical care and move to the rehabilitation center to build his strength, his body had other plans.  A fever set in, blood pressure became uncontrollable, the sepsis reared it's ugly head again. 
 
 The medical staff at Tampa General stabilized him, he greeted me with a smile, open arms and kisses.
 His daughter Becky called.  They had a beautiful, happy, conversation together. 
 
 6 minutes later as I held him to keep him warm, he died in my arms at 6:30pm Saturday July 17, 2021.
 
 We are beyond devastated as our lives were about to start a new adventure.  Robby just recorded his first solo album with the talented music producer Michael Franklin at Solar Studios.  A tour to start in August, Robby was so looking forward to being back on stage doing what he loved. 
 
 I’ve always tried to share our lives with you but I ask you to please respect this heavy time of grief.  I encourage you to share your stories and pictures of Robby on his page. 
 
 My only regret is that I can’t share them with him to show him how much he is loved.
 
 Hug your loved ones, be happy, stay safe and be well. -Cindy Steinhart

[David Houck]

That's a moving account that she has shared.

[mica]

It is, Dave. Though I didn't know Robby, I'm sitting here weeping. Everything is temporary, it's a reminder to live every day that you can.

[edwardofhuncote]

Very sorry to read this. My good friend and coworker has barely survived pancreatitis this past year. It is a positively devastating thing.

[pauldo]

Deep feels and healing thoughts for his friends and family.

[gearhed289]

Robby was a major force within Kansas with not only his violin playing, but also his voice. He will be missed.

[garyhead]

I was watching the DVD Miracles Out Of Nowhere last night to remember Robby. It was a Wonderful documentary. On the bonus DVD, sound man Jeff Glixman was playing the masters of Leftoverture. A few times he played just the Bass & Drum tracks. I never realized just how much Phil Ehart and Dave Hope played in the pocket that well. Truly inspirational. I’m sure it’s somewhere on YT. Anyway, it is amazing how Robby and the rest of the band were so down to earth.

[David Houck]

... watching the DVD Miracles Out Of Nowhere ...

Thanks for the recommend; we just watched it.

[edwardofhuncote]

I've been listening to some of those isolated bass/drum tracks while walking this evening. Yes indeed, nice lock-in.

[gearhed289]

I was watching the DVD Miracles Out Of Nowhere last night to remember Robby. It was a Wonderful documentary. On the bonus DVD, sound man Jeff Glixman was playing the masters of Leftoverture. A few times he played just the Bass & Drum tracks. I never realized just how much Phil Ehart and Dave Hope played in the pocket that well. Truly inspirational. I’m sure it’s somewhere on YT. Anyway, it is amazing how Robby and the rest of the band were so down to earth.

That's a great video. Phil always stood out to me, somehow without being overly flashy. Dave Hope gets none of the recognition he deserves. I've known their current singer Ronnie for decades from the local music scene. Great singer, great guy. He was in a Yes tribute when we met in the late 80s. 

[paulman]

Kansas was my first rock foray thanks to Mrs Bacon 2nd grade music teacher.  They've been in my heart ever since.  Take care Robby, you are dust in the wind as we all are!

[garyhead]

Robby's first, and sadly, only solo album has been released. Looks like it was produced and released by Michael Franklin, the same one who was behind the Jon Anderson 1000 Hands album. Similar to that project, this one also features a ton of guest artists:

MUSICAL CAST:

Robby Steinhardt, Patrick Moraz, Tim Franklin, Chuck Leavell, Tommy Calton, Jim Gentry, Billy Cobham, Michael Franklin, Liberty Devitto, Ian Anderson, Matt Brown, Pat Travers, Pat Gulotta, Rayford Griffin, Christopher Keogh, Paul Fleury, Olga Kopakova, Les Dudek, Steve Morse, Jocelyn Hsu, Billy Ashbaugh, Sonny Ferguson, Bobby Kimball, Benoit Lajeunesse, Charlie DeChant, Lisa Fischer, Elodir Germain, Paul Fleury, Pat Frost, Michelle Mailhot, Steve Walters, Billy Boyd, Brian Snapp, Davonnda Simmons, Jim Stringer, The Basel Hayden Singers

And also similar to the 1000 Hands initial release, this one also seems to be available in a limited fashion, being sold from this website: https://solarmusic.com/shop/music

[David Houck]

That's an interesting list of guest musicians.