Rich Williams (born February 1, 1951 in Topeka, Kansas, USA) is the guitarist for the rock band Kansas, and has been with them since their 1974 self-titled debut album.

Rich lost his right eye when he was a pre-teen. He wore a glass eye for many years, but now wears an eye patch instead. Over the years, Williams packed on over 100lbs, but recently lost the weight and is looking quite healthy.

Williams' style could be described as tasteful. He's not a flashy player like his 70's counter-part Kerry Livgren, but he is a solid rhythm player and his riffs & solos are melodically well crafted.

In the beginning, Williams shared guitar duties with keyboardist/guitarist Kerry Livgren. Livgren was also Kansas' chief songwriter. In the late '80s, Williams shared the stage with guitar virtuoso Steve Morse. Years later, after some personnel changes in Kansas, Williams found himself as the only guitar player. Having to handle all of the guitar parts would be challenging enough in any band that normally employs two guitarists, considering the complexity of Kansas' arrangements with all of the time signature & key changes, etc, and one has to realize that this guy has chops well above the average pro-player.

Rich is an easy-going family man who fans and press describe as very approachable and highly good-natured.

Discography

• Device, Voice, Drum (2002)

• Somewhere to Elsewhere (2000)

• King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents Kansas (1999)

• Always Never the Same (1998)

• Freaks of Nature (1995)

• Live at the Whisky (1992)

• In the Spirit of Things (1988)

• Power (1986)

• The Best of Kansas (1984)

• Drastic Measures (1983)

• Vinyl Confessions (1982)

• Audio-Visions (1980)

• Monolith (1979)

• Two for the Show (1978)

• Point of Know Return (1977)

• Leftoverture (1976)

• Masque (1975)

• Song for America (1974)

• Kansas (1974)