Legendary rock keyboardist Keith Emerson, who brought strains of classical music, virtuoso musicianship and flamboyant showmanship to the progressive rock supergroup Emerson, Lake & Palmer, has died at age 71.
Drummer Carl Palmer confirmed the news on Friday, but a cause of death was not released.
"We regret to announce that Keith Emerson died last night at his home in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, aged 71," ELP posted on its Facebook page. "We ask that the family's privacy and grief be respected."
In a lengthier statement, also via Facebook, Palmer wrote, "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. 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."
ELP, based in England, was known for its bombastic, over-the-top sound, and Emerson, who had previously been with The Nice, was its most showy performer, playing his keyboards backwards and even stabbing them with knives.
The band recorded nine studio albums, including 1973's "Brain Salad Surgery." On that album, he co-wrote "Karn Evil 9," known for its introduction of "Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends." It is still frequently played on classic rock radio. On ELP's self-titled 1970 album, he performed one of rock's first synthesizer solos on the song "Lucky Man."
