Earlier today I found out the horribly sad news about keyboard legend keith Emerson passing away at the age of 71. What is even sadder is that his death was apparently a suicide. Recently, Emerson had a nerve issue that impaired his ability to play.
My introduction to Keith Emerson and his music came in 1982 when ASIA hit with their amazing debut album. With ASIA being a group comprised of well known musicians I soon began to discover the previous bands of each member. ASIA drummer Carl Palmer's previous band was the legendary EMERSON, LAKE AND PALMER, a progressive trio that not only made some commercial music but would feature long concepts and album length songs with Emerson featured prominently.
Following ELP's breakup, Emerson composed movie soundtracks including one of my favorite films, NIGHTHAWKS. In 1986 Emerson and Lake teamed up with drummer Cozy Powell and recorded a fairly successful album before disbanding a year later. In 1989 Emerson and palmer teamed up with Robert Berry and formed '3'. recording an amazing album, THREE TO THE POWER OF THREE. That album is personally my favorite work of Emerson. In 1992 Emerson, Lake and Palmer would finally reunite for BLACK MOON and IN THE HOT SEAT.
Carl Palmer, who released the news said of his musical partner, "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."