SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 11, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — Keith Emerson, founding member and keyboardist of Emerson, Lake and Palmer has passed away, Rolling Stone is reporting.
The band’s official Facebook page released a statement.
“We regret to announce that Keith Emerson died last night at his home in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, aged 71. We ask that the family’s privacy and grief be respected,” the post said.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend and brother-in-music, Keith Emerson,” bandmate Carl Palmer wrote in a statement.
“Keith was a gentle soul whose love for music and passion for his performance as a keyboard player will remain unmatched for many years to come. He was a pioneer and an innovator whose musical genius touched all of us in the worlds of rock, classical and jazz. I will always remember his warm smile, good sense of humor, compelling showmanship and dedication to his musical craft. I am very lucky to have known him and to have made the music we did together.”
No cause of death has been announced.
According to Wikipedia, Emerson, Lake and Palmer formed in London in 1970. The group consisted of keyboardist Emerson, singer, guitarist and producer Greg Lake, and drummer and percussionist Palmer. They were one of the most popular and commercially successful progressive rock bands of the 1970s.
The band came to prominence following its performance at the Isle of Wight Festival in August 1970, the group signed with Atlantic Records and released “Emerson, Lake & Palmer” (1970) and “Tarkus” (1971), both of which reached the UK top five.
The band’s success continued with “Pictures at an Exhibition” (1971), “Trilogy” (1972), and “Brain Salad Surgery” (1973). After a three-year break, Emerson, Lake & Palmer released “Works Volume 1” (1977) and “Works Volume 2” (1977), but a decline in popularity forced the group to disband in 1979.
In 1991 the group performed without Lake and released “Black Moon” (1992) and “In the Hot Seat” (1994). Emerson and Palmer continued to play concert events until 1998.
Greg Lake returned in 2010 for the band’s headline performance at the High Voltage Festival in London to commemorate the band’s 40th anniversary.
The group’s musical sound included adaptations of classical music with jazz and symphonic rock elements and was dominated by Emerson’s flamboyant use of the Hammond organ, Moog synthesizer and piano.
Sadness on his shoulders. Like a worout Overcoat. In pockets; creased and tattered hang the rags of his hops. The daybreak is my midnight; the colors have all died. Oh heck I am gonna cry like a little girl. I love you Keith.