On Tuesday, March 11th, 2016, Keith Emerson, an accomplished composer and musician, passed away at 71 years old. Emerson was best known for pioneering the use of electronic instruments in rock music. His extensive experience as a pianist and keyboardist in classical music and his flair for improvisation made him a leader in the genre of progressive rock. Throughout the 70s, Emerson was the progressor and main creative force behind the international success of the group Emerson, Lake & Palmer, for which he wrote and sang several hits. He designed one of the first polyphonic synthesizers, and his keyboard innovations gave him a creative edge. He was eager to experiment with new techniques and musical textures, often using keyboards to create a suite of overlapping soundscapes that gave his songs an unparalleled and distinct atmosphere. He is survived by his partner, Mari Kawaguchi.