Robbys Candlelight Vigil at Burnetts Mound in Topeka
Milton, a music professor and Ilsa, a clothing purchaser for I. Magnin, moved to Lawrence Kansas in the summer of 1951. Milton eventually became the Chairman of the Music History and Literature Department at Kansas University. Ilsa staying home to take care of her “little boy”.
Because of Milton’s profession they traveled to Europe where Robby attended school learning the violin.
Joining KANSAS in 1973, Robby became a noticeable figure as the bands front-man.
During his hiatus between 1982 and 1997, Robby formed Steinhardt Moon with Rick Moon touring Florida.
Robby returned to KANSAS in 1997 retiring in 2006.
Robby suffered a major heart attack in August 2013. He underwent a quadruple bypass, spending 52 days in the hospital. Not sure if he’d ever sing or play the violin again, Stormbringer (formerly Steinhardt Moon) encouraged Robby to do guest appearances with them at local venues which proved that Robby never missed a step!
He is survived by his wife Cindy and a daughter Becky, of Tampa, FL.
As a Kansas fan since the first album, Robby played on the soundtrack to my life. He was heard on Lonely Wind at my brother’s funeral and will be heard at mine, as well – no doubt on Hold On. He was a one-off, with his sphinx-like stage presence, beautiful violin lines and shredding solos. His vocal harmonies with Steve Walsh remain some of the best in all of rock. His music will remain with me and hundreds of thousands of Wheatheads for the rest of our days. R.I.P., Robby; you left your mark on the world and in our hearts forever.
Chris Yancik
Thomaston, CT
There was no doubt in Milton’s and Illse’s mind that Robbie was a success! Milton told me one day that when students at KU referred to him as Robbie’s dad and not professor Steinhardt he was proud of his son that the son had garnered the success he so deserved.
My condolences to his wife Cindy and daughter Becky