Legendary keyboardist Keith Emerson has died at age 71.
A cause of death has yet to be determined, but his passing was “sudden” as he had been due to embark on a tour of Japan next week.
An official statement was issued by bandmate Carl Palmer.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend and brother-in-music, Keith Emerson,” wrote Palmer in the 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. Rest in peace, Keith.”
Emerson was widely considered one of the top keyboard players of the progressive rock era. Apart from ELP, founded in 1970, Keith Emerson is best remembered for his role in The Nice, formed in 1967.
