It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Keith Emerson, beloved keyboardist of Emerson Lake and Palmer, has passed away. The 71-year-old passed away at his home in Santa Monica, CA.

ELP were champions of the progressive rock genre, fusing classical influences and compositions with a rock instrumentation. All three titular musicians were virtuostic, with Emerson’s keyboard sounds championing the band’s courageous melodies and constructs. Despite being a trio, ELP songs were quite rich and extensive, bordering on symphonic in nature.

One of the band’s largest triumph was their record, Brain Salad Surgery, featuring hits like “Still… You Turn Me On” and “Karn Evil 9,” a three-part suite. You can read our classic album review of Brain Salad Surgery here. Of course, the group’s prolific discography extends well beyond the 1973 album, including nine total studio albums and countless tours through various periods of activities.

At the center of it all was Keith Emerson, who’s extensive keyboard rigs would go on to influence countless musicians. There was even talk of Jimi Hendrix collaborating with them at one point (HELP!), shortly before the guitarist passed away. The trio were simply magical, and all who witnessed their righteous music knew it from a single note.

Listen to their version of “Fanfare for the Common Man,” below:

Bandmate Carl Palmer confirmed the unfortunate news, releasing the statement below:

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend and brother-in-music, Keith Emerson. 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.

RIP Keith Emerson. You will be missed.