Sad news as hit the classic and prog rock communities today as Keith Emerson has passed away at age 71.
Emerson was known as one of the three members of progressive rock group Emerson, Lake, & Palmer as well as his solo work. He was considered one of the greatest keyboarders in the genre.
But where horror fans might know his work best was as the composer of Dario Argento’s 1980 supernatural horror Inferno, which is considered part of the Three Mothers trilogy that began with Suspiria and concluded with The Mother of Tears. He was also a composer for the 1989 Italian horror film The Church from director Michele Soavi as well as Ryûhei Kitamura’s 2004 Godzilla: Final Wars.
Carl Palmer of Emerson, Lake, & Palmer wrote a brief eulogy on Facebook:
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.
We send our deepest condolences to his friends and family. A master musician such as this passing is a great loss and will be deeply felt.