I Am Phil

I Am Phil, the autobiography of Kansas drummer/manager and OG Phil Ehart is a wonderful read.

Mr. Ehart wrote this account of his life, so far, with Paul Braoudakis, and like the man himself (who I had the pleasure of meeting some years ago) it is an honest, matter-of-fact, read of this extraordinary musician’s work in one of the most popular bands ever to exist, as well as all the rest of the ups and downs of a life lived.

I knew a good amount of the Kansas story from just loving the band, having seen them plenty of times and listening to their music. But hearing it from the ship’s helmsman is so insightful and fun (as much as being one of only two original band members to appear on every Kansas album, Ehart pretty much put the band together and is its manager to this day) Ehart’s life before Kansas is also something I didn’t know about, as well as his family life, faith and volunteerism.

His candor about his family life especially, some of which was harrowing indeed, was stuff I appreciated, didn’t know, but surely brought the man into a clearer focus. We might think we know the famous among us by studying what they publicly give to us, but as we all realize the output if an artist is only some of what somebody ever is.

Phil Ehart is more than just a rock star, as is made clear anytime you hear the man interviewed, as well as when you meet the guy in person. I Am Phil is, as I had hoped, is a straight-from-the-drummer’s podium account of his life, on that riser and beyond, a life this particular musician seems to appreciate very much indeed.

Appreciate it with him by grabbing I Am Phil here: https://philehart.net/collections/all