November 02
Keith Emerson
November 2, 1944 – March 11, 2016
Keith Emerson first gained national attention as the keyboard player for The Nice, joining the band in 1967 and helping redefine the role of keyboards in rock music. His inventive organ playing, classical influences, and energetic stage performances shaped albums such as The Thoughts of Emerlist Davjack, Ars Longa Vita Brevis, and Five Bridges. He became known for pushing the Hammond organ far beyond its traditional role in rock.
In 1970, Emerson co-founded Emerson, Lake & Palmer with Greg Lake and Carl Palmer. As the group's keyboard player, composer, and arranger, he helped create albums including Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Tarkus, Trilogy, Brain Salad Surgery, and Works Volume 1. His performances on pieces such as "Lucky Man," "Tarkus," "Karn Evil 9," and "Fanfare for the Common Man" established him as one of progressive rock's defining keyboard players.
Following Emerson, Lake & Palmer's original run, Emerson continued recording, touring, composing film soundtracks, and participating in reunions and collaborative projects. His technical skill, creativity, and willingness to blend classical music with rock expanded the possibilities of keyboard performance for generations of players.
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