Written by: Alex Green

Keith Emerson, the co-founder of Emerson Lake and Palmer has died.

He was 71.

Although it has been confirmed that the legendary keyboardist died in Santa Monica, no cause of death has been reported.

The Yorkshire-born musician is considered by many to be one of the greatest keyboardists of all time.

He started mastering the Hammond organ at 15 and only a few years later founded the group The Nice. After The Nice, he went on to form ELP, who rose to prominence with a series of seminal efforts, most notably Brain Salad Surgery.

Along with Yes, King Crimson and Genesis, the prog-rock giants are considered by many to be one of the most influential bands of all time.

A member of the Hammond Hall of Fame, Emerson was an innovative, pioneering and singularly adventurous keyboard players. His combination of improvisation with technical wizardy remains peerless.

ELP drummer Carl Palmer wrote on his own Facebook page: “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.”