Today, Keith Emerson passed away.
Keyboardist and progressive rock legend Keith Emerson has died aged 71, his former band Emerson, Lake and Palmer says.
“We regret to announce that Keith Emerson died last night at his home in Santa Monica, Los Angeles,” the band’s Facebook page said.
The statement asked for his family’s privacy and grief to be respected.
Emerson was widely considered one of the top keyboard players of the progressive rock era.
Former bandmate Carl Palmer said on Facebook: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend and brother-in-music, Keith Emerson.
“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.”
Apart from ELP, founded in 1970, Keith Emerson is best remembered for his role in The Nice, formed in 1967.
The British musician and composer was born in Yorkshire in 1944.
Back when I was young – although this has only recently dawned on me – Keith Emerson was one of the people who introduced me to upbeat, blues music.
My dad had – still has (I can take you to it even to this day) – a copy of Keith Emerson’s Honky Tonk Train Blues on 7 inch vinyl. I remember being obsessed with it. I had no idea who it was by, or had any clue about it, but I remember being inspired by it.
So, I can fully say that he will be missed and he is one of the reasons I am the musician I am today. I also love that he is from Yorkshire – another fact that I had no idea about until this sad day.