WASHINGTON — (CNN) Keith Emerson, keyboardist for influential progressive rock group Emerson, Lake & Palmer, has died, according to the band’s official Facebook page.
Emerson died Thursday night in his home in Santa Monica, California, at age 71, the statement said.
Drummer Carl Palmer mourned the passing of his longtime band mate.
“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,” Palmer said in a statement on social media.
“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, Lake & Palmer was progressive rock’s first supergroup, according to Billboard.
Emerson left The Nice to join forces in 1970 with Greg Lake, a founding member of King Crimson. With the addition of Palmer, the group went on to release nine albums, the first five of which reached the Billboard 200’s top 10. Their hits included “Lucky Man,” “Nut Rocker” and “From the Beginning.”
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