David Ragsdale's rise in the world of popular music has been propelled by a boundless enthusiasm for the power and beauty inherent in the form. It became apparent to him at the tender age of 3 when he was given his first tiny violin and has continued throughout his life as he has studied under renowned classical teachers, played with students of jazz and paid his dues in rock and roll bands.
In 1980, he received a scholarship to the University of Tulsa and studied with acclaimed instructor Nell Gotkovsky. While in Tulsa, he also played with the prestigious Tulsa Philharmonic and moonlighted as a string arranger, violinist and guitarist at Universal Music and Post Studios.
After completing his studies in Tulsa, David toured with Nashville's Louise Mandrell for four years, followed by a seven-year stint with the legendary rock group Kansas. During his tenure with Kansas, David recorded with The Smashing Pumpkins (Siamese Dream), Jason Bonham (Motherland) and Queensryche (Hear in the Now Frontier). David's work can also be heard on such Kansas recordings as Live at the Whisky and Freaks of Nature, on which he was a contributing writer. David's solo CD, David & Goliath, features his abilities both on violin and guitar.
In April 2006, David returned to his pals in the band Kansas, where he tours the country and the world, playing violin and guitar on some of the best rock tunes ever written.
