© Jorgen Angel/Redferns Keith Emerson of Emerson and Lake Palmer photographed in Copenhagen, Denmark in the 1970s.
Keith Emerson, one of the most legendary keyboardists in rock history thanks to his work in Emerson, Lake & Palmer and The Nice, died at age 71 on March 10, according Emerson, Lake & Palmer's official Facebook page.
"We regret to announce that Keith Emerson died last night at his home in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, aged 71," the post reads. "We ask that the family's privacy and grief be respected."
"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend and brother-in-music, Keith Emerson," Carl Palmer said on his website. "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. Rest in peace, Keith."
Prior to his success with the immensely popular and influential outift, Emerson played with British band The Nice, melding rock music with classical and jazz influences. Emerson was classically trained as a child, and one of the most technically proficient keyboard players of his generation. He started experimenting with the Moog synthesizer after hearing the landmark 1968 LP Switched-On Bach. Emerson's showmanship while performing on the Moog, Hammond organ or piano was one of the trio's defining elements.
