Emerson, Lake and Palmer's Keith Emerson, considered by many as of the best keyboardist of progressive rock era, has passed away at the age of 71 according an announcement of the band's Facebook page.

Before being one third of one of the biggest rock band's of the 70's Keith was a member of the Brit prog rock group the Nice, a combo originally formed to serve as the back up band for soul singer P.P. Arnold. The band then went out on their own. When the Nice played with King Crimson at a series of shows in California in late 1969, Emerson and King Crimson member Greg Lake started talking about jamming. It would set the seeds for ELP's formation.

In statement released by Palmer today he said "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."

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