Who Is Kerry Livgren? Age, Biography and Wiki
Kerry Livgren, born on September 18, 1949, is an accomplished American guitarist, songwriter, and producer. Best known as a founding member of the progressive rock band Kansas, Livgren has made significant contributions to the music industry since the 1970s. At the age of 75 in 2025, he continues to be active in the music scene, with a legacy that has influenced countless musicians around the world.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 18, 1949 |
| Age | 75 Years |
| Birth Place | Topeka, Kansas, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Kerry Livgren's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Kerry Livgren stands at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. While his weight has fluctuated throughout his life, as of 2025, he is said to weigh around 160 lbs (72 kg). His slim build complements his active lifestyle, balanced with his commitment to music and health.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Kerry Livgren is a private individual when it comes to his personal life. He has been married to his wife, Victoria, since the early 1980s, and the couple shares a strong bond. They have children, although details about his family life are often kept out of the public eye. As of 2025, Kerry and Victoria continue to support each other in their personal and professional endeavors.
Livgren was raised in Topeka, Kansas, by his father Allen Leroy, an industrial engineer, and his mother Betty ( McElhiney). He was drawn to music at a young age, and his first musical interests developed with classical and jazz influences.
His first equipment included an electric guitar he built using a cheap Stella guitar, a Sears amplifier and a low-quality Astatic microphone. Along with learning guitar, Livgren also focused on learning to write songs due to his desire for more creative expression and originality. He attended Washburn University for some time.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Kerry Livgren’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. Over the decades, Livgren has earned his wealth primarily from his successful music career, including album sales, tours, and songwriting royalties. His contributions to the band Kansas, especially hits like "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind," have significantly bolstered his financial status.
Career, Business and Investments
Kerry Livgren's career has spanned more than five decades. After leaving Kansas in the early '80s, he embarked on a solo career that allowed him to explore different musical styles. He has released several solo albums and has collaborated with various artists across genres. Additionally, Livgren is known for his entrepreneurial spirit, having invested in various business ventures, including music production companies and other creative projects. His influence and innovation in the rock genre remain pertinent, making him a revered figure in the industry.
Due to legal entanglements caused by his contractual obligations with Kansas, Livgren was unable to market AD in the mainstream secular market. After negotiating with the record label, he received a waiver to perform with AD in the Christian rock market. Unfortunately, this would become a hindrance to commercial viability for the band.
AD toured extensively between 1983 and 1986, sometimes playing bars and clubs one night and then churches the next. Livgren has stated on several occasions that he experienced some of the highest and lowest points in his career during his time with AD.
Livgren mentions in his book Seeds of Change: The Spiritual Quest of Kerry Livgren that his time playing live with AD was his best as a guitarist.
Social Network
Kerry Livgren, while not overtly active on social media platforms, can often be found sharing updates with fans through official band pages and music forums. He engages with his audience via Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, providing insights into his latest projects and reflections on his musical journey. Fans appreciate his sporadic posts that reveal glimpses of his life and artistry.
Livgren, raised in Topeka, Kansas, developed an early interest in music and songwriting. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he played in various bands, exploring spiritual themes in his lyrics. Livgren formed bands such as the Gimlets, Saratoga, and eventually Kansas.
With Kansas, he achieved commercial success, writing hit songs like "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind". In 1979, Livgren converted to Christianity, which influenced his subsequent work. He continued to work with Kansas, formed a new band called AD, and pursued a solo career.
Livgren later formed a band called Proto-Kaw, which released new material until 2011. As the primary songwriter for Kansas, Livgren contributed to the band's worldwide success, with numerous Gold and multi-Platinum albums and over 14 million recordings sold.
Education
Kerry Livgren attended Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, where he studied music and began honing his skills as a guitarist and songwriter. His formal education laid the groundwork for his future success in the music industry, though much of his learning occurred through practical experience and collaboration with other musicians.
Livgren formed his first band, the Gimlets, with several close friends in high school, including John Pribble, drums, Scott Kessler, bass, Tim Strauss, guitar, and Dan Wright on keyboards.
They soon found themselves booked after school and on weekends throughout Kansas and neighboring Missouri, where they played their original compositions, a blend of pop, English and psychedelic rock.
After graduating from Topeka West High School in 1967, Livgren continued to perform with the Gimlets through college before joining a predominantly black mainstream rhythm-and-blues band named the Mellotones, in which he met keyboard player Don Montre in 1969.
