SENATE RESOLUTION No. 1704

A RESOLUTION honoring the outstanding achievements of Robert "Robby" Eugene Steinhardt.

WHEREAS, 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; and
WHEREAS, Robby's career with the band Kansas spanned the years 1973 through 1982 and 1997 through 2006. Well
known for his wild hair and bold violin style, he was the band's frontman, violinist and co-lead singer; and
WHEREAS, Robby, born in Chicago, Illinois, was given up for adoption at birth. Milton and Ilse Steinhardt adopted
him when he was four days old; and
WHEREAS, They moved to Lawrence, Kansas, when Dr. Milton Steinhardt secured the position as Professor and
Chairman of the Music History Department at the University of Kansas; and
WHEREAS, Robby was raised in Lawrence, where he attended Lawrence High School, graduating in 1968. At
Lawrence High School he was in band and first chair in the orchestra. He also attended the University of Kansas—a proud
Jayhawk—until his career started with the band Kansas; and
WHEREAS, Robby came from a musical family. His mother was a pianist, but it was his father who bestowed upon him
the love for the violin and music as a whole; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Milton Steinhardt was honored with two Fulbright Grants and two Guggenheim Fellowships, which
took his family across the world to learn and explore the history of music, mostly in the "City of Music," Vienna, Austria; and
WHEREAS, Classically trained at the American International School of Vienna, Robby brought 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; and
WHEREAS, During Robby's hiatus from the band Kansas, he formed a band called "Steinhardt Moon" in the Tampa
Bay area of Florida with his best friend of 45 years, Rick Moon; and
WHEREAS, Playing original songs co-written by Moon and Robby, they played throughout the state of Florida until
Robby's return to the band Kansas; and
WHEREAS, Before his death in 2021, Robby, along with producer Michael Franklin and co-writer Timothy Franklin of
Solar Studios, created his first solo album "Not In Kansas Anymore," which received worldwide recognition; and
WHEREAS, 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; and
WHEREAS, Rebecca and Cynthia will continue to honor Robby's life and achievements with the "Robby Steinhardt
Foundation" with the mission to further music education and performing arts in his name; and
WHEREAS, Robby departed this earthly life on July 17, 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 our nation for
many years to come; and
WHEREAS, Robby is laid to rest next to his parents at Pioneer Cemetery in his hometown of Lawrence: Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Kansas: That we honor the outstanding achievements of Robert "Robby"
Eugene Steinhardt; and
Be it further resolved: That the Senate expresses its most profound sense of sorrow and offers its sincerest condolences
to the family and friends of Robert Eugene Steinhardt on this time of his passing; and
Be it further resolved: That when the Senate adjourns on this day, it does so in loving memory and in honor of Robert
Eugene Steinhardt; and
Be it further resolved: That the Secretary of the Senate shall send enrolled copies of this resolution to Rebecca M.
Steinhardt, Cindy Steinhardt and the Robby Steinhardt Foundation, Inc.

Senate Resolution No. 1704 was sponsored by Senator Marci Francisco.

I hereby certify that the above Resolution originated in the SENATE, and was adopted by that body
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President of the Senate.
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Secretary of the Senate.