Keith Emerson

Keith Emerson, RIP

Keith Emerson, founding member and keyboardist of Emerson, Lake and Palmer and a prog rock legend, died Friday. He was 71. While the cause of death was not announced, both his bandmate Carl Palmer and the trio’s official Facebook confirmed Emerson’s death. “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 band wrote.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend and brother-in-music, Keith Emerson,” 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.” [Rolling Stone]

More sad news in the rock world today, as we learn that Keith Emerson has passed away. Rest in peace, Keith. You’ll be missed.

UPDATE: Billboard reports that Santa Monica Police confirmed to them that Emerson died from a gunshot wound to the head. His death is being investigated as a suicide.

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