ELP Keith Emerson Dies

Keith Emerson, co-founding member of classic rock band, Emerson Lake and Palmer has died. He was 71.

Emerson’s bandmate Carl Palmer’s rep confirmed his passing last night in Santa Monica, Calif.

“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,” Palmer said. “He was a pioneer and an innovator whose musical genius touched all of us in the worlds of rock, classical and jazz.” h/t ultimateclassicrock

Emerson Lake and Palmer hadn’t performed together since 2010, when they staged a 40th anniversary reunion at the High Voltage Festival in London. Their most recent studio effort was 1994’s In the Hot Seat. Since, Emerson has regularly collaborated with Marc Bonilla.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Emerson’s family and friends at this difficult time.