Robert "Robby" Steinhardt

Lawrence's Own Wayward Son "Robby Steinhardt"

Robert Eugene Steinhardt, better known to the world as "Robby Steinhardt", was one of the original founding members of the rock band KANSAS along with his bandmates Phil Ehart of Coffeyville, Kerry Livgren of Topeka, Dave Hope of Topeka, Richard Williams of Topeka and Steve Walsh of St Louis Missouri.

Robby's career with the band KANSAS spanned from 1973 through 1982 and 1997 through 2006. Well known for his wild hair and bold violin style, he was the band's frontman, original violinist and co- lead singer.

Robby, born in Chicago Illinois, was giving up for adoption at birth, Milton and Ilse Steinhardt adopted him when he was just 4 days old, they moved to Lawrence Kansas when Dr. Milton Steinhardt secured a position as the first Musicologist, Professor and Chairman of the Music History Department at the University of Kansas. 

Robby's musical family Ilse Steinhardt was a pianist, Dr. Milton Steinhardt was a renowned violinist, teacher of music history, they bestowed upon him the love for violin and music.

Robby was raised in Lawrence where he attended elementary, middle school and Lawrence High School, graduating in 1968. At Lawrence High School he was concertmaster, in band and was first chair in the orchestra. He attended the University of Kansas, a proud JayHawk until his career started with the band KANSAS. 

Dr. Milton Steinhardt was honored with two Fulbright grants, and two Guggenheim fellowships which took the family across the world to explore and learn music history in the "City of Music " Vienna, Austria where Robby was classically trained in violin well attending the American International School of Vienna, Robby brought back his knowledge and training of the violin into the world of rock and roll, thus blazing a new trail for the violin's role in popular music known today as progressive rock.

During Robby's hiatus from the band KANSAS he played with longtime friend Rick Moon creating "Steinhardt Moon". In the Tampa Bay Florida area.

Before his death Robby, alongside producer Michael Franklin and co-writer Timothy Franklin of Solar Studios, created his first solo album "Not in Kansas Anymore" which received worldwide recognition.

Above all things, Robby was proud to have been the father of Rebecca M. Steinhardt, and to have been married to the Love of his life Cindy "Cynthia" Steinhardt from 2006 until his death in 2021. In 2022 the Robby Steinhardt Foundation, was created, to continue and honor Robby's life achievements with a mission to further music education and performing arts in his name.

Robby departed this earthly life on July 17th 2021, at the age of 71, but his outgoing personality, love for family and friends and dedication to music and the public good will continue to resonate across this state and the world for many years to come.

Robby is laid to rest with his parents at Pioneer Cemetery, KU in his hometown of Lawrence.

Robby Steinhardt Foundation Inc. 501C3 non-profit organization.

Glen Caristinos 

813-649-3113

www.robbysteinhardtfoundtion.org