Community Chat

[JustJazzmom]

He was 71 and died in Los Angeles. Authorities are not saying it was a suicide but there was a single gunshot at his home last night.

I really enjoyed his keyboard work as a teenager.

[Burnsite]

Incredible band.  Their version of "And did these feet ...."  ( from "Jerusalem," a song from a long poem by William Blake that later was used as a hymn in the Anglican church) was utterly amazing.

The keyboards were wonderful on that track.  It was a BIG sound even in an era of big sounds--late 1970s?  or around 1980?

I am sorry to hear he was sad in the end.  My best friend of many years became despondent and he killed himself.  So I have seen that happen and that late loss of joy is something to mourn for as well as his passing.  Very gifted musician.

ETA:  I was reading around on the 'net.  Apparently he was despondent because he had developed severe nerve damage in one of his hands.  So sad, if true.  (I realize suicide hasn't been confirmed yet, but apparently the diagnosis had made him very sad.)

[Hetty]

Well, that is sad news.  I loved Emerson, Lake and Palmer.  Emerson was a fantastic keyboardist.  I saw them in concert a few times when they were in their prime. 

[JustJazzmom]

I have most of his Nice albums when you were able back in the 70's to get Imports at record stores. One of my GFs in HS had Pictures at an Exhibition LP and I was hooked after hearing that album.

I have most of their LP's

ELP, Tarkus, Pictures at an Exhibition, Trilogy & Brain Salad Surgery.

@Burnsite

I also liked Lake's version of Jerusalem and seriously I think that that song was or is being considered to be England's National Anthem. I know its currently God Save the Queen/King but the 3 nations of the UK I believe want their own individual anthems-- and Jerusalem was one of the ones to vote upon.

I'm not sure if this was done but I know it was under consideration once before.

[mstyrion 1]

Sad news.

I was also a big fan of ELP back in the day.  I saw them in concert in the early 70's and they were so ahead of their time.

RIP, Keith.  You will be remembered for the wonderful music you made.

[AnikaBrodie]

"ETA:  I was reading around on the 'net.  Apparently he was despondent because he had developed severe nerve damage in one of his hands.  So sad, if true.  (I realize suicide hasn't been confirmed yet, but apparently the diagnosis had made him very sad.)"

@Burnsite

He may have been diagnosed with neuropathy.  My DH has peripheral neuropathy (PN) in his feet which caused complete numbness.  (He is not diabetic.)  If KE's diagnosis was PN I'm sure this would have caused depression, especially considering he was a musician.  So sad. 

[Pearlee]

According to People, his death is being investigated as a suicide:

http://www.people.com/article/keith-emerson-may-have-killed-himself-police

[Puzzle Piece]

Sorry to hear.  It is being treated as a suicide.  What could have been so wrong.

[JustJazzmom]

It's sad that he was despondent, but he wanted to go out on his own terms if he had a terminal illness or problem.

The family and friends are left to grieve.

[haddon9]

This makes me so sad...all of these musical greats from the 70s'!!...my youth! 

I saw them in 1974 at the spectrum in Philly and so glad that I did...they were really an innovative band and Keith one of the best keyboardists!

RIP Keith! C'est la vie.