Keith Emerson, the co-founder of British prog-rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer, has died aged 71.
Long-term bandmate Carl Palmer confirmed the news saying Emerson had died at his home in Santa Monica, California.
A statement on the band’s Facebook page later confirmed the news saying: “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 keyboard player’s body was discovered at his home on Thursday by, it was reported, his girlfriend. The cause of death was unknown last night and was unexpected – he had been planning to travel to Japan on tour next week.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer formed in Croydon in 1970 and came to prominence after performing at the Isle of Wight festival later that year.
They later rose to become one of the most popular bands of the 1970s and were voted in at number seven on Rolling Stone’s 2011 Reader Poll of the best prog-rock acts of all time.
Emerson was regarded as one of the best keyboardists of his generation as well as success with the band he also had a solo career and wrote the score for films such as 1980 horror film Inferno and 1981 Sylvester Stallone thriller Nighthawks, Rolling Stone reports.
In a statement, Palmer paid tribute to Emerson who he called his "brother-in-music" saying: "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."
