Keith Emerson, the extraordinary musician whose brilliant keyboard work defined so many great works by Emerson, Lake & Palmer, has died.  Word of his passing came via a post from the Prog Rock group's Facebook page that read, "We regret to announce that Keith Emerson died last night (3/10) at his home in Santa Monica".  Former band mate Carl Palmer expressed his sorrow over the loss, writing, " 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."  Emerson was 71. No cause of death was provided, but a Rolling Stone magazine account of Emerson's death made reference to a TMZ report indicating he may have taken his own life with a gun.

BBC.co.uk