The still-young year has taken another music legend.
Multiple outlets are reporting that Keith Emerson, keyboardist and co-founder of progressive rock stalwarts Emerson, Lake & Palmer, has died at the age of 71. The cause of death has not been made public.
The group confirmed the news Friday afternoon via their website and Facebook page, writing: “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.”
Bandmate and Emerson, Lake & Palmer drummer/percussionist Carl Palmer has also released a statement, calling Emerson his “good friend and brother-in-music”.
Palmer writes: “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 humour, 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. Rest in peace, Keith.”
After playing in a variety of bands, Ultimate Classic Rock notes, like the Keith Emerson Trio, John Brown’s Bodies, The T-Bones, The V.I.P.’s, Emerson co-founded supergroup Emerson, Lake & Palmer in London in 1970 with Palmer and singer/guitarist Greg Lake. They released seven studio albums in the ’70s, and two in the ’90s during a seven year reunion.
They have reportedly sold more than 25 million albums over their career.