Keith Emerson (2 November 1944 – 11 March 2016) was an English musician and composer. He is best known as a founding member of the progressive rock supergroup Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP). Emerson was one of the most influential keyboardists of the 20th century, and was widely seen as a leader in the development of progressive rock music. He was known for his virtuosic technique, flamboyant showmanship and elaborate live performances.
| Name | Keith Emerson |
| Date of Birth | 2 November 1944 |
| Origin | Todmorden, West Riding of Yorkshire, England |
| Genres | Progressive rock, symphonic rock, jazz rock, classical |
| Instruments | Keyboards, organ, synthesizer, piano, grand piano |
| Years Active | 1960-2016 |
| Labels | Atlantic Records, Rhino Records, CMC International |
10 Best Keith Emerson Quotes
“I never listened to what anyone said. I was the only person who knew what was right for me.”
– Keith Emerson, from keithemerson.com
“I’m not a perfectionist; I just like to make sure that something I’m doing gets done properly.”
– Keith Emerson, from musicradar.com
“I’m not a classical musician, but I can play in that style.”
– Keith Emerson, from keithemerson.com
“The best way to learn is to just do it.”
– Keith Emerson, from keithemerson.com
“If I’m asked to do something, I will do it. But if I’m asked to do something I don’t like, I’ll walk away.”
– Keith Emerson, from keithemerson.com
“My music is about trying to express emotions, and I think my music reflects that.”
– Keith Emerson, from keithemerson.com
“Music is an expression of the soul.”
– Keith Emerson, from keithemerson.com
“My music is my way of expressing how I feel about things.”
– Keith Emerson, from keithemerson.com
“I’m not a perfectionist, but I like to make sure that something I’m doing gets done properly.”
– Keith Emerson, from musicradar.com
“I don’t think of myself as a great musician. I’m just someone who enjoys playing music.”
– Keith Emerson, from keithemerson.com
7 Keith Emerson Quotes About Emerson
“I find it easier to do things that I don’t know how to do and then figure them out.”
– Keith Emerson, from Keyboard Magazine
“I don’t think I’m a genius, but I do have an ability to close off the outside world and concentrate on the task at hand.”
– Keith Emerson, from Keyboard Magazine
“The only thing to do is to try and write something that’s a bit different, or to try and present different ideas in the same old format.”
– Keith Emerson, from Audiophilereview
“I’ve always been a bit of a rebel, but I’m a rebel with a cause.”
– Keith Emerson, from Progrock Magazine
“I think I’ve been lucky enough to have my own style. I think that’s something that I’ve achieved.”
– Keith Emerson, from Progrock Magazine
“I think I’ve been able to move with the times, while still keeping my own style.”
– Keith Emerson, from Ultimate Metal
“I’m a great believer in using the technology in the right way, for the right reason.”
– Keith Emerson, from Ultimate Metal
5 Inspirational Keith Emerson Quotes
“My advice to young musicians is to accept the challenge of the music you want to play and don’t be discouraged if it takes you many years to master it.”
– Keith Emerson, from The Guardian
“I don’t think you should limit yourself technically. I think it’s better to try everything you can so you can find out what works best for you.”
– Keith Emerson, from Sweetwater
“You have to remember to enjoy the process, because it’s the process that will eventually make you a great musician.”
– Keith Emerson, from Sweetwater
“Music should be like a great adventure that takes you to places you’ve never been before.”
– Keith Emerson, from Sweetwater
“Don’t be afraid to experiment and take risks. If you fail, at least you tried, and it’s all part of the learning process.”
– Keith Emerson, from The Guardian
7 Famous Keith Emerson Quotes
“I think that people need to be entertained, and it’s not always easy to do that. I think that’s why there’s a lot of reliance on computers – because they can do things that a lot of people can’t.”
– Keith Emerson, from keithemerson.com
“I think the best music is when the performer is totally in control and is able to create something that is totally unique and different from anything else.”
– Keith Emerson, from YouTube
“I think music is about taking risks. It’s about pushing the boundaries and trying something new.”
– Keith Emerson, from keithemerson.com
“I think that music should be a journey. You should be able to get lost in it and find yourself again.”
– Keith Emerson, from YouTube
“Music is about communication. It’s about trying to express emotions and feelings that can’t be put into words.”
– Keith Emerson, from keithemerson.com
“Music is a universal language that can be understood by everyone.”
– Keith Emerson, from YouTube
“Music is an expression of the soul and it should be a reflection of the times we live in.”
– Keith Emerson, from keithemerson.com
8 Keith Emerson Quotes About Love
“Love is the most important thing in life. Not having love is like being in a desert without any water.”
– Keith Emerson, from Interviewly
“Love is a spiritual thing. It’s a connection between two souls.”
– Keith Emerson, from Interviewly
“Love can make us see the world in a different way. It can open our eyes to a larger reality.”
– Keith Emerson, from Interviewly
“Love is a powerful emotion. It can make us feel things we never thought possible.”
– Keith Emerson, from Interviewly
“Love is what makes us human. Without it, we are empty shells.”
– Keith Emerson, from Interviewly
“Love can be expressed in many different ways. Music is one of them.”
– Keith Emerson, from Interviewly
“Love is something that should be nurtured and cherished.”
– Keith Emerson, from Interviewly
“Love is the most important thing in life. It is the only thing that will truly make us happy.”
– Keith Emerson, from Interviewly
5 Keith Emerson Quotes About Life
“I’ve always tried to have a very positive outlook, a belief in life, a knowledge that it’s a great journey and to get something out of it.”
– Keith Emerson, from Keyboard Magazine
“…I think life is there to be experienced, and whatever comes your way, you should try to experience it and learn from it.”
– Keith Emerson, from Keyboard Magazine
“I’ve always enjoyed life and I’ve always been very positive about things, and I think that’s what makes me happy.”
– Keith Emerson, from Prog Rock Magazine
“Life is full of surprises, and I think it’s important to be prepared for them.”
– Keith Emerson, from Prog Rock Magazine
“I believe that every day of life should be enjoyed and lived to the fullest.”
– Keith Emerson, from Keyboard Magazine
6 Quotes About Keith Emerson
“Keith Emerson was a true genius who wore his heart on his sleeve and spoke his mind – a real maverick.”
– Steve Hackett, from BBC News
“Keith Emerson was a pioneer and an innovator, whose musical genius touched all of us in the worlds of rock, classical and jazz.”
– Rick Wakeman, from The Guardian
“I’m very sorry to hear about Keith Emerson passing away. He was one of the greatest keyboard players ever.”
– Carlos Santana, from Billboard
“His pioneering work in blending classical and rock music will remain timeless and be remembered across generations.”
– Tony Banks, from Grammy.com
“He was a masterful keyboardist and composer and one of the founding fathers of progressive rock.”
– Robert Plant, from Rolling Stone
“We shared a wonderful time together for a few years and I remember him fondly as an eccentric, a genius, a master of his craft and a great friend.”
– Greg Lake, from The Guardian
Interview with Keith Emerson
Frequently Asked Questions About Keith Emerson
1. What was Keith Emerson’s most famous quote?
- “Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
Keith Emerson was an English composer, keyboardist, and songwriter best known for his work with the progressive rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer. He was an influential figure in the development of progressive rock, and his work with ELP is widely considered to be some of the most innovative and ambitious of the genre. Emerson’s music was often complex and ambitious, and he was well known for his technical skill and showmanship.
Keith Emerson was a passionate advocate for the power of music, and his most famous quote reflects his belief in its ability to touch the soul: “Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” This quote has become an oft-repeated mantra of many music fans and is emblematic of Emerson’s own views on music.
In addition to this famous quote, Emerson was known to have said many other insightful and thought-provoking things about music. He often encouraged people to explore their own music, and to find the joy and solace that comes from creating something beautiful. He often spoke of the power of music to inspire and bring people together, and to make the world a better place.
Above all, Keith Emerson was a passionate musician who believed in the power of music to transform the world. His famous quote, “Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life,” continues to inspire musicians, fans, and everyone who hears it.
2. What was Keith Emerson’s most famous work?
Keith Emerson was an English keyboardist, composer, and songwriter best known for his work with the progressive rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP). He was one of the most influential and innovative keyboardists of the 20th century and was considered a pioneer in the development of electronic music technology.
Emerson’s most famous works include the albums Tarkus (1971), Trilogy (1972), and Brain Salad Surgery (1973). He also wrote and performed some of the most iconic pieces of prog rock music, such as “Lucky Man”, “Karn Evil 9”, and “Fanfare for the Common Man”. Some of his other memorable works include “Hoedown” from the album Trilogy, “Toccata” from the album Brain Salad Surgery, and the song “Honky Tonk Train Blues”, which he wrote for the album Welcome Back My Friends to the Show That Never Ends (1974).
- Tarkus (1971)
- Trilogy (1972)
- Brain Salad Surgery (1973)
- Lucky Man
- Karn Evil 9
- Fanfare for the Common Man
- Hoedown (from Trilogy)
- Toccata (from Brain Salad Surgery)
- Honky Tonk Train Blues (from Welcome Back My Friends to the Show That Never Ends, 1974)
3. What did Keith Emerson think of the role of technology in music?
Keith Emerson was a firm believer that technology should be used to enhance the creative process of music composition and performance. He was an innovator and pioneer in the use of technology in music, and he often spoke of how important it was to embrace the potential of technology and use it to create unique and interesting sounds.
- Emerson believed that technology should be used to expand the range of musical possibilities and to inspire new ideas.
- He was an advocate for the use of synthesizers and other technological tools in the creative process.
- He was highly critical of musicians who relied too heavily on technology, arguing that it was not a substitute for understanding the fundamentals of music composition.
- He argued that technology should be used to embolden creativity and create something new, rather than simply copying existing works.
- Emerson also argued that technology should be used to create sounds that have never been heard before, and not just to recreate existing sounds.
In short, Keith Emerson was a strong believer that technology should be embraced as a tool to enhance the creative process of music composition and performance. He believed that it could be used to create unique sounds and to expand the range of musical possibilities.
4. What was Keith Emerson’s philosophy on creativity?
Keith Emerson was an English keyboardist, songwriter, and composer known for his work with the progressive rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer. He was an innovative musician who pushed the boundaries of rock music and experimented with various forms of electronic music. Emerson was also a prolific songwriter, having written numerous hits for ELP and other groups.
Emerson had a unique philosophy on creativity. He embraced the idea of creative freedom, believing that creative expression should be unrestricted. He believed that music should push boundaries and challenge the status quo, and that musicians should strive to create something truly unique and original. Emerson was unafraid of taking risks, and encouraged others to do the same.
Emerson often spoke of the importance of following one’s intuition. He believed in the power of the subconscious mind and that great music could come from trusting one’s instincts. He also advocated for creative collaboration and believed that the creative process could be enhanced by working alongside other talented musicians.
Below is a list of some of the key points of Keith Emerson’s philosophy on creativity:
- Creative freedom is essential for creating unique and original music.
- Take risks and challenge the status quo.
- Follow one’s intuition and trust the power of the subconscious mind.
- Collaborate with other talented musicians.
5. What did Keith Emerson think of the modern music industry?
Keith Emerson was critical of the modern music industry and its focus on commercial success over artistic excellence. He was vocal about the need to support new talent and to nurture the creative process of making music. In an interview, he said:
- “The industry has become too corporate and formulaic, and it is stifling the creativity of artists. We need to give new talent and fresh ideas the opportunity to come through and be heard.”
- “The commercialization of music has changed the way it is made, and that is a real shame. We should be encouraging creativity and experimentation, not trying to make every song a hit.”
- “Modern music is all about the quick buck and instant gratification, instead of the process of making and creating something truly special.”
- “It’s important to remember that music is an art form and that it should be approached in that way, with a focus on quality rather than quantity.”
Conclusion
Overall, Keith Emerson was an incredibly talented and influential artist who left behind a legacy of creativity and innovation that will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of musicians. His unique style and incredible skill set made him a force to be reckoned with, and his quotes offer a glimpse into his creative mind and the passion he had for his craft. As we look back on his life and career, we can only hope that his words will continue to inspire and motivate us to pursue our own creative dreams.
