Keith Emerson

Date of Birth: November 2, 1944

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: March 11, 2016

Biography

Keith Noel Emerson was an English keyboardist, composer, and songwriter, best known as a founding member of the progressive rock supergroup Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP). Born in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, England, Emerson began his musical journey at a young age, learning classical piano and later delving into jazz and rock. His innovative use of the Moog synthesizer and Hammond organ helped to shape the sound of progressive rock in the 1970s. Emerson’s performances were known for their theatricality and technical prowess, often involving elaborate setups and pyrotechnics. Emerson’s first major band was The Nice, formed in 1967, which blended rock, jazz, and classical music. However, it was with ELP, formed in 1970 with Greg Lake and Carl Palmer, that he achieved international fame. ELP’s albums, such as “Tarkus,” “Brain Salad Surgery,” and “Trilogy,” are considered classics of the genre. After ELP disbanded in 1979, Emerson pursued various solo projects and collaborations, including film scores and orchestral compositions.

5 Interesting Facts about Keith Emerson

1. Keith Emerson was one of the first musicians to use the Moog synthesizer extensively in rock music.

2. He was known for his showmanship, which included stabbing keyboards with knives and playing the piano upside down.

3. Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s debut album included a live recording of Modest Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.”

4. Emerson composed the score for the 1980 horror film “Inferno,” directed by Dario Argento.

5. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of ELP in 2017.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Keith Emerson

1. “I’ve always been banging my head against the wall when it comes to rock and classical music. I just didn’t see why they couldn’t live together.”

2. “I don’t regard myself as a great keyboard player, but I am a great musician.”

3. “Music has the power to transport us to another time and place.”

4. “I’ve always been fascinated by the combination of sound and imagery.”

5. “The aim is to make music that moves people, that resonates with their emotions and experiences.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Keith Emerson’s net worth was estimated to be around $8 million.

Children

Keith Emerson had two children: Aaron Emerson and Damon Emerson. Aaron followed in his father’s footsteps to some extent, becoming involved in the music industry.