KANSAS - "Cheyenne Anthem"

Kansas
"Cheyenne Anthem"
Album: Leftoverture
Released: October 1976
Writer: Kerry Livgren
Label: Kirshner, Legacy/Epic

"Cheyenne Anthem" is a song by American progressive rock band Kansas from their fourth studio album Leftoverture, released in 1976.

Kansas - "Cheyenne Anthem" (from the album Leftoverture, 1976)

Kansas - Leftoverture vinyl, 1976

"...'Cheyenne Anthem' has got to be the greatest song on this album, if not the best thing Kansas ever did. Okay, maybe that’s a bit over-the-top, but I am a Kansas fan after all – one should expect that from us. There’s a story that Walsh brought another song into rehearsal the day Livgren brought in Anthem, but after Steve heard it he wouldn’t show his song to the rest of the band. Walsh said years later that he never liked this song, and that the extended part on the middle sounded like music for a Warner Brothers cartoon. It might, but at the time the band was clicking on all cylinders for this one. The slow crescendo that builds with Walsh’s keyboards and Steinhardt’s violin is totally Ravel’s Bolero, but its so over-the-top that if you’re fifteen years old and full of testosterone, it can make you almost go Syd Barrett mad. This one is timeless and I still play it a lot early in the morning – much better than coffee..."

(Progarchives, review by ClemoNazareth)

Kansas - "Cheyenne Anthem" (clip)

Kansas 1976 publicity photoFrom left, Rich Williams, Steve Walsh (seated), Phil Ehart (standing), Kerry Livgren, Robby Steinhardt and Dave Hope.
(Photo: cjonline.com)

"...'Cheyenne Anthem' is another song that sticks out. I never really think of how much I missed Steinhardt until I listen to Leftoverture. He's got great moments throughout the album, but his vocals and violin truly make this a beautiful track..."

(Progarchives, album review by E-dub)

Line-up / Musicians:

Phil Ehart / drums, percussion 

Dave Hope / bass 

Kerry Livgren / guitar, keyboards 

Robby Steinhardt / lead vocals, violin, viola 

Steve Walsh / vocals, keyboards, vibes 

Rich Williams / acoustic & electric guitars

Links / Reviews:

Wikipedia: Leftoverture (Kansas album)
Progarchives: KANSAS Leftoverture
Sputnikmusic: Kansas-Leftoverture