Rock band Kansas singer and violinist Robby Steinhardt dead at 71

(From left) Manager Budd Carr, drummer Phil Ehart and vocalist and violinist Robert E. 'Robby' Steinhardt, of Kansas, with director Charley Randazzo arrive at the 30th Santa Barbara International Film Festival Montecito Award ceremony on Jan 30, 2015, in Santa Barbara, California. Steinhardt, who was an original member of the band, died Saturday, July 17, 2021, due to complications from pancreatitis. He was 71. Photo: AP

Robert E. "Robby” Steinhardt, a violinist and vocalist with the progressive rock band Kansas, has died due to complications from pancreatitis. He was 71.

His wife, Cindy Steinhardt, said he died Saturday (July 17) at a hospital in Tampa, Florida. She announced on Facebook Monday that he had just recorded his first solo album, and had been looking forward to being back on stage and going on tour.