THE REASONS WHY was an early seventies forerunner of leading Progressive Rock outfit KANSAS. In 1970 guitarist / keyboard player Kerry Livgren, previously of THE REASONS WHY, bassist Dave Hope and drummer Phil Ehart created the first incarnation of KANSAS in Topeka, Kansas. This first unit also featured vocalist Lynn Meredith, from Manhattan, Kansas, keyboard players Don Montre and Dan Wright, both also ex-members of THE REASON WHY, plus saxophonist Larry Baker. Just prior to this, Livgren, Montre and Wright had evolved THE REASONS WHY into SARATOGA with the introduction of bassist Scott Kessler and Zeke Lowe on drums. In 1970, they changed their name again to KANSAS with the revised line-up. However, the first version of KANSAS folded in 1971 when Ehart left for England.

The remaining members opted to persevere. Ehart was replaced by Zeke Lowe and subsequently Brad Schulz, whilst Hope was replaced by Rod Mikinski on bass, and Baker was replaced by John Bolton on saxophone and flute. In the meantime, Ehart and Hope formed a new group called WHITE CLOVER with Robby Steinhardt, on violin and vocals, Steve Walsh, on keyboards and vocals, and Rich Williams on lead guitar. Recruiting Livgren the band re-adopted the KANSAS brand. Scoring a deal with Don Kirshner's eponymous label, they recorded the first album shortly afterwards.