Rich Williams (born February 1, 1951 in Topeka, Kansas, U.S.) is the guitarist for the rock band Kansas, and has been with them since their 1974 self-titled debut album.

Rich lost his right eye when he was a pre-teen. He wore a glass eye for many years, but now wears an eye patch instead. Over the years, Williams gained extra weight, but has improved his health, and is looking quite healthy.

Williams' style could be described as tasteful. He's not a flashy player like Kerry Livgren (a founding member of Kansas whom Williams replaced), but he is a solid rhythm player and his riffs & solos are melodically well crafted.

In the beginning, Williams shared guitar duties with keyboardist/guitarist Kerry Livgren. Livgren was also Kansas' chief songwriter. In the late '80s, Williams shared the stage with guitar virtuoso Steve Morse. Years later, after some personnel changes in Kansas, Williams found himself as the only guitar player. Having to handle all of the guitar parts would be challenging enough in any band that normally employs two guitarists, considering the complexity of Kansas' arrangements with all of the time signature & key changes, etc.

Rich is an easy-going family man who fans and press describe as very approachable and highly good-natured. ^{[citation needed]}

Among the songs he co-wrote with the band are "Point of Know Return," "Don't Open Your Eyes," and "No Room for a Stranger."

Discography

• Device, Voice, Drum (2002)
• Somewhere to Elsewhere (2000)
• King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents Kansas (1999)
• Always Never the Same (1998)
• Freaks of Nature (1995)
• Live at the Whisky (1992)
• In the Spirit of Things (1988)
• Power (1986)
• The Best of Kansas (1984)
• Drastic Measures (1983)
• Vinyl Confessions (1982)
• Audio-Visions (1980)
• Monolith (1979)
• Two for the Show (1978)
• Point of Know Return (1977)
• Leftoverture (1976)
• Masque (1975)
• Song for America (1974)
• Kansas (1974)

External links

• Richard Williams Website @ www.meatwall.com
• House of Shred: Interview with Rich Williams

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