Keith Emerson, founding keyboardist of progressive rock icons Emerson Lake and Palmer has died at the age of 71, the band’s official Facebook page announced today. The cause of death has not been released.

Emerson was also a part of the band The Nice and had a solo career, but was best known as a co-founder of ELP along with Carl Palmer and Greg Lake. The supergroup began their career in 1970 and rose to fame as one of the most popular prog rock groups of that decade, releasing seven albums before going their separate ways in 1979. The three reformed the group in the ’90s for two more releases.

Palmer shared a statement on his bandmate following his passing, calling him “a pioneer and an innovator whose musical genius touched all of us in the worlds of rock, classical and jazz.” Read the full note from Palmer below.

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.

Carl Palmer
March 11, 2016

UPDATE:

Santa Monica Police have ruled Emerson’s death as a suicide. TMZ reports that the case is still being investigated, but that Emerson was found by his girlfriend after suffering a single gunshot wound to the head. Emerson had recently been experiencing depression due to a degenerative nerve issue that had affected his hand and made playing music difficult.