The Genius of Keith Emerson - Part 1

[@markphilpot8734]

Emerson doesn’t always get the credit he deserves for his influence. He’s really a genius. You can’t learn that. It is a gift.

[@RedCloudServices]

⁠@@morbidmanmusic you’re high on meth and also crack cocaine. I love how Jazz fans dismiss musicianship from other genres like Progressive Rock. Let me explain this with Crayons for you. BOB MOOG approached Emerson (not chick corea) about introducing these new instruments called SYNTHESIZERS to planet Earth. Keith Emerson wrote his pieces by hand on staff paper from his brain to paper. He could play (and compose) Jazz or Classical or Boogie or Blues or Rock with ease. Have you heard ANY of his Classical pieces or movie soundtracks or Piano Concertos? Have you listened to Tarkus or Trilogy or Brain Salad Surgery? Has chick corea even attempted anything outside Black Jazz Improv? By comparison do you honestly think chick corea stands apart from any black Jazz musician from the 1940’s 1950s or 1960s? Do you know what sets Emerson miles apart from chick corea by any reasonable criteria? answer: Keith Emerson traversed GENRES and his insane body of work is proof. Chick Corea has never once ventured away from his Jazz swimlane. His is a one trick pony. I saw them both live many times. Emerson has no equal in his BOLDNESS to explore his craft. Emerson’s insane exploration of sounds bringing Moogs vision to life are STILL BEING copied by modern synthesis. Emerson was Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Beck live and in the studio he was Steve Jobs. Hands down. “just a keyboard player?” prove it. Obviously you’ve never actually listened to his massive body of work. no human had ever heard of a synth patch on a rock or JAZZ album before Emerson. Think about that. And he patch them MANUALLY! “just a keyboard player”. One song KARN EVIL 9: 2nd Impression eclipses chick corea’s entire, narrow style in a single track it begins with fluid jazz then a hybrid mix of pure boldness nothing safe. Has Chick Corea ever written a piece of music like ELP “Trilogy”? It’s a piano masterpiece and it’s moving percussive emotional and incredible playing and IT ROCKS. Has Chick Corea ever attempted something as percussive as “Tarkus”? cmon now. Keith Emerson was the Thomas Jefferson of keyboard players on Mt Rushmore. your comment is sad. wow.

[@nigelspandex2877]

@@morbidmanmusic Try playing some of his solo piano works. Tough for even classically trained pianists. Emerson was not only technically proficient (see comments from any of his peers) but also extremely versatile and a true innovator.

[@johnmeowzer8333]

I especially love the somewhat dissonant yet beautiful brief chords Emerson conjured up from time to time, like in the beginning of Fugue, and there's one in The Three Fates also.

[@anfrankogezamartincic1161]

He was good enough, too pompous at times, but that's the way prog works. I personally like Jon Lord better

[@markphilpot8734]

@@anfrankogezamartincic1161, pardon me but I am not familiar with Jon Lord.

[@jupiterlegrand4817]

Keith Emerson was one of the greatest keyboardists of the 20th century and ABSOLUTELY the greatest of all time in rock music. Having met him in a social setting, I can also happily say he was an extremely nice, humble and generous man. I still can't get over his passing.

[@oldcougar65]

At my 50th HS renunion, I bumped into a guy who told me he was Emerson's sound man for years. He told me the same thing: Emerson was the nicest guy he ever worked with.

[@haydenbeauchamp3369]

No tony

[@JamesFolkers]

⁠@@haydenbeauchamp3369Who’s Tony?

[@Perthshire]

I remember a story about the three worst things to go on tour with. Earache, toothache and Greg Lake.

[@JEFFREYJERDON]

Here's a story that I'll share, and I'll try to stick to the 'cliff notes version' of it. I actually met ELP back in August 1992 when they were touring for their album "Black Moon". They were coming to Cincinnati, Ohio at Riverbend Music Center and I got lucky with 2 seats, second row in the pit on the slightly left side of the stage!!! My former friend who went along with me wrote music reviews for a local entertainment magazine and got a photo pass for the show! When we went to the will call booth to get the photo pass we found out that we also had two backstage passes for a 'meet & greet' with the band!!!!!!!! Needless to say the show was FABULOUS, we were stairing right up at Greg Lake who was standing directly in front of us most of the show!!!!!! After the show we had to wait along with about 40 to 50 other people who also had backstage passes to meet them which took about an hour for them to 'freshen up' after the performance. They finally came out and everyone took a place in line. We met the guys in reverse order. Carl Palmer was first and he was all smiles and friendly as can be!!!!!!!! He signed my tour book and a souvenir Black Moon tambourine that I purchased from the vendor booth!!! I got to chat with him briefly about Ringo Starr had just recently (at that time) purchased at auction Carl's all steel drum kit that he used during the "WORKS" 1977 Tour!!!!! Carl was certainly stoked over the fact that the former Beatle had purchased his kit!!!!!!! "He must think a great deal of my drumming" he said with a grin!!!!!!! Next came Greg Lake who I would describe as 'middle ground' in terms of friendliness. He was about to sign my items and asked me "And you are??????". "Jeff" I said. And he said "as in G E O F F??" And I said "No, not like your buddy Geoff Downes, J E F F, like Jeff Beck". He gave kinda gave me a raised eyebrow and signed my two items!! "Gee", I thought to myself, maybe I mentioned the opposition perhaps? He did however personalize my tour book!!!!! Then came Keith Emerson!!!!! And he was the most intimidating of the three! He signed my two items and shook my hand, and I tried to break the ice by asking him "Any chance that your movie soundtracks like "Inferno", "Nighthawks", "Murderrock", and "Best Revenge" will get reissued?". That certainly indeed did break the ice and he lightened up immediately!!!!!! "Well, unfortunately I don't have the rights to my soundtracks, but we are working on getting the legal end worked out, and when that does happen all of those soundtracks will be available again, ......many THANKS for asking, I really appreciate that!!!!". I got to shake his hand a second time because of that!!!!!!!! Something I will always remember that he was thrilled that someone asked about his solo work!!!!!!! An experience I will never forget!!!! And sadly we lost both Keith & Greg in 2016. Just thought that I would share that with you!!! CHEERS!!!!* * I shared this story previously on a few other reaction videos, but I thought that it would really be appreciated here!!!!!!!! This compilation is really OUTSTANDING!!!!! Can't wait to see Part 2!!!!!! 👍

[@theyak7912]

Hi Jeff, your story was very touching to read and would certainly be ‘an experience of a lifetime’. It sounds just awesome! I have long been an Emerson and ELP fan but my appreciation for both has certainly grown following the research I did for this video. I’m certainly looking forward to presenting Part 2 in a few weeks time which have to be will be longer in length and focus a little more on specific musical contributions Emerson made. I thank you again Jeff for your comments here and also for your nice feedback!!

[@tanner_uncut]

thats awesome!

[@henrybrowne7248]

I would be too shy, huddle in a corner somewhere probably and just watch . .

[@stradaveriusfiddle]

Nice story, good to hear that Keith appreciated your mention of his soundtrack work. 🎬🎼🎹

[@Tracey..H]

I heard Keith hated early morning press interviews

[@consv]

Always amazed watching Keith Emerson and Rick Wakeman playing keyboards.

[@dianewilliams1125]

I saw ELP 3 times in the 70s! Keith was and always will be my idol! Brain Salad Surgery is my ultimate favorite album! Rock on boys forever!❤❤❤

[@3rdandlong]

I will never, ever forget seeing ELP at the Calif. Jam in 1974. The year I saw the light. RIP Keith. You were indeed a Keyboard Jedi Master.

[@krzysztoflenart1069]

My greatest tragedy in my life, I never saw ELP live 😢

[@3rdandlong]

@@krzysztoflenart1069 I would like to offer my condolences that you never got to see them live. It was truly an eye opening experience.

[@krzysztoflenart1069]

@@3rdandlong thank You

[@jimdukeproject]

Keith Emerson is one of the best keyboard players! PERIOD. When I saw them it blew me away especially when during an equipment failure instead of bowing out to wait Keith had a spotlight on him and said he'll just play some piano pieces for us as if we were in some dark tavern listening to the piano man.

[@davidkyle2073]

One of? There is nor was any recorded keyboardist/pianist who could even match let alone beat his two hand independence, harmonic complexity, compositional breadth, etc. 😮

[@QHarefield]

@nebula393 I would love to agree with you but I honestly don't think even Wakey is quite that good. He doesn't have Keith's left hand independence. Still ... it's not a competition. We can enjoy them both.

[@armandourso1526]

The moog solo on “Lucky Man” makes me shiver. Just perfect and revolutionary. Hugs from Brazil 🎉

[@ashokricord1873]

A summum with elegance

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

He was playing around with a snippet from Dick Hyman’s “The Minotaur” on the album MOOG: The Electric Eclecticts of Dick Hyman

[@RGMORRONE]

From Brazil! I saw Emerson, Lake and Palmer twice in São Paulo - SP, during the 90's (I think in 1993 and 1997), and the shows were really amazing!!!! It was very sad to know about his and Greg Lake's Illness, in the end of their lives!!!! I love E, L & P since I was a child, in the 70's.

[@CurtHowland]

Now that 'musicians" can sample and repeat, the astonishing music talent won't come back again. Music composition peaked in the 1970s, and cannot be repeated again.

[@theyak7912]

You make a great point here Curt

[@dianewilliams1125]

Bravo!❤❤❤

[@MrGTO-ze7vb]

Great video..!!! I met Keith in San Jose Ca in 1988. He was playing with Carl and Robert Berry. He loved riding a motorcycle up in the Santa Cruz mountains. I spent many hours riding with him. RIP Genius

[@turquoiseblue228]

You were a lucky man?

[@JonHammerHeart]

To this day, Keith Emerson is still the standard by which all other rock keyboardist are judged. There are very few musicians who completely change the landscape of their instrument. Eddie Van Halen is a good example of that. In the same way, Keith Emerson completely changed what keyboards could be and that impact has been huge, especially in prog rock. I feel so fortunate to have grown up in the era of the greatest music explosion ever.

[@theyak7912]

Hi John, that is a great summation of Emerson’s immense talent and contributions which are still highly revered today.

[@davidmckenzie420]

1971...I heard their first album...And they immediately became my favorite band. That has not changed. Keith was a genius. I know their songs (in my mind) note for note...and IMHO they have no equal. Saw them twice in '74, including the Anaheim concert which became that great multi live album set. I feel so fortunate.

[@theyak7912]

That would have been a great concert David, and that is certainly an incredible live album. Thank you for sharing your story

[@stephenmarcus7051]

I saw them on their first American tour in 1970 at Carnegie Hall and they blew me away.

[@kindofsimplereally]

I saw them in 74 also, Roosevelt stadium in New Jersey, fantastic! Well, except I was too far back, and so the back quad speakers were heard BEFORE the stage speakers, oh well! The close of Rodeo was a spin around all four quads, faster and faster, but missed something due to the lowly speed of sound through all that pot smoke!

[@robertcooper1952]

I'm still obsessed with the Tarkus album! RIP Keith and Greg.

[@suitandtieguy]

My love of Keith Emerson is what brought me to building synthesizers which are based on his Moog and eventually consulting for Moog Music. I met him twice and had nothing meaningful to bring to the table. His Moog tech, the late Gene Stopp, was my friend and mentor. Thank you very deeply for this.

[@theyak7912]

Hi suitandtieguy, thank you kindly. You were lucky to meet the great man twice. I also like the sound you of your JP-6 which you demonstrate in one of your videos - it sounds nicer than mine. Tom

[@djdksf1]

This guy was my idol growing up, as a classically-trained piano player who just wanted to ROCK! I finally got to see ELP when I was about 22 in LA (with Cozy Powell on drums.) They actually did ALL of their arrangement of Holst's Mars, which absolutely blew my tiny mind. Just epic beyond belief.

[@michaelbauers8800]

As lifelong fan of synthesizers, Lucky Man is one of the greatest synthesizer pieces ever played. It's still amazing, doesn't matter that the timbre is simple. It just works.

[@fabrikk60]

That solo literally stopped me in my tracks, took my breath away, gobsmacked me, the first time I heard it on radio. Never had I imagined such a sound to be possible! I wonder how many others had the same reaction. To me, it was nothing less than the sound of the future.

[@pmoris4405]

The square wave was actually a very impressive and new sound to listeners of the time and became a landmark. In time it became too old fashioned allright.

[@darrellminx5459]

Keith Emerson was tapped into the universe and could put in a musical form that we could understand. Believe me. I've been there.

[@skipmatsey8352]

Along with Mozart and Lennon.

[@AlanODuffy]

I had the pleasure of working in Olympic studios with Keith Emmerson … what a huge loved talent .. like no other. X

[@drmorqWarrenProject]

I am so lucky.... I saw ELP in November of 1974... in Wichita Kansas... It was at the end of their 'welcome back' tour... they were incredible..

[@paulwerner8262]

Growing up he was my idol.... what a fantastic talent. Going to see him in 74 live in concert was like a pilgrimage for me. Been a student of his life since then. Got myself a nice hammond rig and attempted to learn some of the music which is daunting but worthwhile. What a great genius and such a shame his life was cut short, but he left us all a wonderful legacy of his music that we will never forget!

[@hubbsllc]

This was wonderful; thank you for putting the care and effort into this tribute. Keith Emerson is my most admired musician and his death in 2016 was the only time I've ever spontaneously burst into tears learning of it. Emerson in 1966 sure sounded like the star of the show as you said. Such a brilliant and determined man.

[@theyak7912]

Thank you, and I appreciate you sharing your story here with us

[@jonstiffler8103]

Me too. I wept when I learned of Keith's death. My son doesn't know how lucky he was. 3rd row in Philly we saw the daggers, the strapped in piano elevation and revolutions, and the organ destruction. Saw ELP many times after but that was a mouth agape m F'ng performance for the ages.

[@theyak7912]

@Jon Stiffler Hi Jon, you were very lucky to see that show, and I’m pretty sure the spinning piano you saw was only used a couple of times. You and your son were very lucky to have seen that show.

[@edljnehan2811]

I've been listening to Emerson Lake and Palmer since their Inception. Saw every concert they ever did in my city starting in 1971. Including the famous Brain Salad Surgery tour and the 1976 77 show were Journey still the progressive rock Journey at the time opened up for them. That country pie video is available in its entirety on KZbin and has to be my favorite example of the great man playing the Hammond. Thanks this was a great video probably the best I've seen on Mr Emerson. I have to admit I cried like a baby on hearing the news of his death.

[@ikofire1]

It's really great to see all the love pouring out for the Gaffer! He deserves every ounce of it. A classical composer of the highest order and a Rock n Roll star for the ages! Emerson.

[@aliensporebomb]

An uncanny talent brimming with genius, heart and really unique melodic contributions.

[@TheSpoonwood]

Very looking forward to part two.

[@cosmicdrifter287]

❤

[@dewood9463]

No one else played like Keith! Always a sign of greatness.

[@Anthony-tq9so]

I ut want to say, thank you from an old (too damn old) ELP fan.

[@Anthony-tq9so]

just

[@theyak7912]

Glad you enjoyed it Anthony

[@MrZimpoppel]

Great analysis from this one of a kind musician ! I was particularly baffled when you showed the "things" he was doing with the piano strings while playing "Hang on to a dream", because, somehow, I had completely forgotten about it ! The Nice's "Elegy" was my first introduction to Keith Emerson, practically immediately followed by the first self-titled album, sometimes called "The Dove", or "The Barbarian". I was 9 years old then, and I usually enjoyed what my 14 yo brother was listening, but Emerson was a turning point in my musical taste. I am 61, now, and still a huge fan, forever !

[@theyak7912]

Thank you MrZ. I just realised that the "Elegy" [live] album was recorded at Fillmore East, New York City during 19 - 20th Dec 1969. This was when Emerson spoke with Greg Lake after The Nice supported King Crimson, and both decided to leave their respective bands and begin a new band which became ELP.

[@aleleeinnaleleeinn9110]

Hang on to a Dream was a great example of his jazz skills. His left hand was killer.

[@saturnsabyss]

I googled "genius keith emerson" and this series was the only result other than the lyrics website! The song Trilogy is a magnum opus, as is the Karn Evil suite, and he was so young.

[@fabiosky4368]

fantastic band of the seventies! I remember listening TARKUS record for the first time I had such an illumination! never heard such a thing!! ciao from Italy

[@tommcconville677]

Emerson was versatile and extremely well versed in every genre of music. Ol roots and new wave jazz, classical, R & B, even boogie woogie. He also wrote fine music charts in all these idioms, and played them all flawlessly with every band or combo he was associated with. He was a legend in his own time, and continues to be to this day. By the way, I consider Emerson and Steve Winwood to be the virtuosos of the Hammond organ.

[@williamsoltes1658]

Thank you so much for your video and in-depth research! Much like Bach and Beethoven, Emerson will no doubt still be listened to and studied for centuries. In my mind (and many, many others), he is the greatest keyboardist who has ever lived. I've always wanted to find a detailed biography of his life but could not, until your wonderful video! Once again, THANK YOU.

[@theyak7912]

Hi William, that’s great to hear - thank you

[@Dave-ti2ue]

His piano concerto could be heard at symphony concert. It's a shame they never do it when they're doing new music things.

[@sharonagresta-siekerman8601]

Actually Harrisburg Symphony did perform Keith's Piano concerto in 2009(?). Keith was supposed to have been there to see Jeffrey Biegel play but had his hand surgery so could not travel. I could not believe it took 32 yrs to hear this with a real symphony. I knew brilliant when I heard it in '77. Sadly, I haven't seen any of my local symphonies step up and do it again.

[@Dave-ti2ue]

@@sharonagresta-siekerman8601 Cool. I love the "meat and potatoes" as much as anyone: Beethoven 5, Brahms 2, Liszt 2, Rach 2@3, but it's nice to hear something different once every blue moon.

[@KennyQuinn-r1s]

Aaahh that "fat" sound of an analog synth. Just like Walt Disney, the world will never see the likes of Keith Emerson again. 100% pure musical genius. Anyone see the Brain Salad Surgery tour? The absolute zenith of ELPs career, completely over the top.

[@dianewilliams1125]

I did and that album is still my all time favorite! I was fortunate enough to see them 3 times.last being the"Works" tour! Amazing!

[@aschule5684]

One of the greatest events of my life was getting to see ELP in the early 90's I'll never forget, and be forever grateful. Wished it was the 70's but ........ Rest In Peace Keith Emerson and Greg Lake we'll miss you forever! You'll not be forgotten ☮️

[@JEFFREYJERDON]

Hey Emerson fans, there's a new box set coming out called "Variations" on October 13th!!!!!! A definitive Keith Emerson 20 CD set presented in a 10 x 10” box with a 48 page book. Featuring virtuoso performances from throughout KE's incredible career, the set contains material from his time in The Nice and ELP, his ventures into composing and performing movie soundtracks, and his solo works. The set’s sleeve notes have been written by Jerry Ewing (Editor of Prog Magazine) and the book features many never-before-seen photos taken directly from the Emerson family archive. Mastered from the best available sources by renowned engineer Andy Pearce, the set also contains previously unreleased show from BB Kings in 2004. Price is bubbling just below the $200 range!! Might have to fork over for this!!!! 🎹📀📀📀📀📀👍

[@TheFoxfire321]

Fabulous documentary. Thank you! I look forward to watching the rest.

[@kenmcnutt2]

Emerson put on the best show I've ever seen a keyboardist do out of the roughly 75 concerts I've been to.

[@pmoris4405]

Always a joy when an youtube channel pays homage to Emo again with brand new videos! Thank you! Some sources claim a lad by the name of Billy Ritchie of a band called 1,2,3 was the very first rock keyboardist to actually stand as frontman and do flamboyant stuff on stage even prior to Don Shinn and was supposedly an influence to Emerson as well.

[@QHarefield]

Thx for mentioning Clouds/1,2,3. I believe those sources are accurate.

[@jeffbrinkerhoff5121]

My idol/inspiration/teacher since 1st listen in '70. His "America" is tour de force. Thank you for this.

[@don4476]

Tarkus blew me away. Amazing.

[@theyak7912]

Hi Don, I will certainly be speaking about Tarkus in Part 2.

[@RobS-s3t]

While very tuned into Tarkus and Brain Salad... I had no real idea what I was going to see when I got tickets to ELP at Pittsburghs civic arena on August 2, 1974. An absolutely beautiful day , the civic had its roof fully open. The show was presented in quadraphonic sound - with very large PA arrays in the rear corners of the arena Again - I knew the albums but knew nothing of a full size Moog, knives in the Hammond L100, ribbon controllers, this level of virtuosity and showmanship. My life was very much changed Now in my late 60s I have learned to play Emerson pieces and have a much better idea just how good this guy was Oh - only seven months later I saw Led Zeppelin also at the civic. Zepp was the biggest band in the world at the time. A great show and band ... But no ELP

[@FuriousMess]

saw The Nice at a tiny teen club called The Hideout in Clawson, Michigan in the mid-late 60's as a 3 piece (sans guitar). I remember being blown away. They were freaking LOUD, they were wild, they were unforgettable. RIP Keith you're sorely missed.

[@richardmcnichols4228]

Keith was justifiably proud of his work with the Nice. You were very fortunate to have seen them at that time!

[@aleleeinnaleleeinn9110]

I got the first ELP when I came out. I was hooked from when I heard the Nice. Thank you for the video. I think I saw them 3 times in the 70s.

[@theyak7912]

Very cool!

[@SanderAnderon]

countless vid and audio rarities! You are truly the archivist for Keith's talent, thank you

[@theyak7912]

Hi Randy, I thank you for your kind words!

[@detroitlady7201]

Got to see ELP back in 70s in Detroit. All 3 were fantastic! They had an orchestra behind them and Greg Lake did a beautiful acoustic version of Lucky Man! Insanely talented!

[@yes_head]

Nice job. I've never understood how strong the Don Shin influence was til now. Plus I've ever seen that footage of "Daddy, Where Did I Come From?" BTW, that Emerson Trio disk is a revelation. You have to hear it to appreciate what an amazing prodigy KE was.

[@markfey-head8208]

ELP changed my musical world for the better!

[@hubbsllc]

ELP set me down a road as a mere 12-year-old. I got knocked from the mostly pop-rock world and hearing my brother's Grand Funk Railroad, CCR, and Leon Russell albums into a whole different universe.

[@justinparkerthewildwolf6394]

This is great thanks heaps ❤

[@theyak7912]

You're welcome Justin!

[@justinparkerthewildwolf6394]

​@@theyak7912 I love it. He really bashes that Hammond. The last days of the nice, as a 3 peice, is like the first elp

[@georgeadams8230]

Good video thanks for posting . It's sad that he seems to have been forgotten over the years, in his prime there were none better, some things are funny to me now like his organ destruction routine or his over the top antics, played well too the crowd but like Hendrix setting his guitar on fire it was to be expected, you hear more about the spinning piano than his playing. It's easy to look back on 50 years, which is where brain salad surgery is coming up on, I dont listen to alot of it anymore but at that time nobody heard this kind of music in a rock format. It is sad he wasn't able to keep his career on track, medical issues and changing tastes. By all accounts he was a great guy but troubled, rest in peace Mr. Emerson

[@DarkSideofSynth]

Thanks for paying homage to a stellar legend

[@theyak7912]

You’re welcome Dark Side. I will speak a little about his keyboards in Part 3. Cheers

[@DarkSideofSynth]

@@theyak7912 Awesome. Good night!

[@musiclover-lh2hb]

Thank you Yak, fantastic, cant say enough, THANK YOU.

[@Wuei108]

I loved listening to his music so much!

EMERSON LEGEND

[@briangoodspeed8807]

I think there were connections between both hemispheres of his brain, greater than normal, thus his abilities to concentrate and multitask.

[@stevehunt2125]

Thanks so much for making this! Emerson was always my hero. Best rock keyboard player of them all, a true genius.

[@theyak7912]

Hi Steve, thank you, and you’re welcome.

[@QHarefield]

Thank you for that carefully made docu. I thought I knew 'most all there was to know about The Nice but you managed to teach me some new things. Back in 1967 (I think) a group of us teens went to see Pink Floyd at the Royal Albert Hall, on the Hendrix tour. Some group we had never heard of was also on the bill. They played a piece with a Bach-like middle-section (Emerlist Davjack) and another piece in which the Hammond-player cracked a bullwhip and then imitated its sound by glissing rapidly down the top manual (Rondo, of course). Thus began a lasting love of The Nice, fed by regular trips to The Marquee, in Wardour Street. Their stage act was riveting, as you never knew what might happen next. They were unique. ELP might not be, in Peely's words, a waste of talent and electricity, but , good as they undoubtedly were, I always preferred The Nice.

[@theyak7912]

Thank you 'Q'. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@torgenxblazterzoid]

I was a Royal Air Force musician in 1974. A fellow band member was a big ELP fan and introduced me to them and to Emerson’s earlier ‘incarnations’. I couldn’t get enough of listening to him/them and it became a cathartic ritual for me to follow any band practice (playing military music) or a concert/parade etc to go back to my billet and play some of his music on my newly acquired *stereo* system (which by modern standards was still dire but never mind). In 1976 - I think - I was given a ticket, through an RAF agency in London, to ELP’s gig at Wembley stadium. I was 19 at the time and agog with excitement but a concert in the officer’s mess was arranged at short notice and I had to be there. I was distraught 😭 😂 Hearing of first Keith and then Greg’s passing was both shocking and very sad, for us all I’m sure. If only Keith could have gotten it into his mind that he still had so much to offer had he turned his attention to serious musical composition; then his suicidal ideations may have ended but it wasn’t to be. Depression is a terrible thing. May they both rest in peace 🙏

[@russell_szabados]

Keith had many surgeries for carpal tunnel syndrome. I heard about that back in the 90's. I've been playing piano & keyboards most of my life, and live since the mid-80's and know the agony of that. He had a Japanese tour coming up and didn't think he could deliver. That's the story his daughter told.

[@torgenxblazterzoid]

@@russell_szabados Yes, I believe so.

[@familydogg1234]

I heard Trilogy in April 1973 and was hooked

[@fotoalive]

THis is a mine of GOLD 🏆.Thank you so 🙏much for putting up these wonderful videos keeping Alive these wonderful Unique heavenly talented SOUL musicians ! Going on to part 2and 3 ......................💐💐💐👍🏽

[@theyak7912]

Thank you foto, and welcome!

[@rickkearn7100]

Hey Yak, get part two posted sooner than later! This episode was awesome. Love Emerson, he truly was a bright flame in a dark and dreary landscape. Really liked this retrospective, one of the best I've ever seen. Nice work, no pun intended. Cheers. Oh, yeah, I subscribed.

[@theyak7912]

Hey thanks Rick, welcome aboard!

[@FistandFootMartialArts]

Simply, Thank you for this. And now, Part 2.... ;-)

[@theyak7912]

You're welcome Alex, and thanks for dropping by

[@donwheeler1683]

I didn't know any of this! Thank you so much for this informative introduction to Keith Emerson and his early development into the great key board artist he became!

[@theyak7912]

You're welcome Don - thank you for watching!

[@PaulSnuggs]

Fantastic summary thankyou. Fan since 1973. Very much looking forward part 2!

[@theyak7912]

Glad you enjoyed it Paul

[@franciscodiaz183]

Great video, The Yak, thanks.

[@theyak7912]

Thank you Francis - I like your KZbin icon too

[@FarRite5921]

A bit of a genius is an understatement. Thanks for putting this up!

[@theyak7912]

Hi Sam, yes you are very correct indeed! I should have part 3 out in about one week. Cheers

[@Saffy-yr8vo]

Yeh saw him doing that live, was so exciting ELP we’re so innovative exciting and unbelievable exactly what a teenage girl wanted!

[@duanerichardson6561]

You did a great job! I've been following Keith Emerson since the early 70s and this is by far the best documentary I have seen about him - especially the early history before the Nice and ELP. I'm looking forward to Parts 2 and 3. Thanks for your work and I'll be checking out your other content.

[@theyak7912]

Hi Duane, thank you kindly. Part 2 is available and I’m still working on Part 3. It should be out by the end of August

[@duanerichardson6561]

@@theyak7912 Great! I look forward to the rest. Thanks!

[@coachhannah2403]

He not only played, he wrote and arranged so much of the music.

[@idahomike4254]

Fantastic work, Tom! Your research really shows through and I loved the pacing. So much new stuff about a character I thought I had known for years. I truly appreciate you putting this together. I was fortunate to see ELP in Boise in 93 and just like Jeffrey Jerdon said previously, it was fabulous! I'm sooo looking forward to your next body of work. Cheers, bro!

[@theyak7912]

Hi Mike - I certainly appreciate you comments here. Thank you!

[@JEFFREYJERDON]

Hey Mike, I saw them (for the last time) in 1996 when they opened for Jethro Tull!!! GREAT double bill!!!!!! But Keith's playing was hampered due to an operation back in 1993. In 1993, Emerson was forced to take a year off from playing after he developed a nerve-related condition affecting his right hand that he likened to "writer's cramp", and that was also reported as a form of arthritis. They actually removed his funny bone! It marked a low period for Emerson who was going through a divorce, dealing with his Sussex home burning down, and having financial difficulties. He turned to alcohol, before a course of psychotherapy led to his move to Santa Monica. During his time off, he ran marathons, customised a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and wrote film scores and his autobiography, Pictures of an Exhibitionist, which opens and closes with an account of his illness and subsequent arm operation. In 2002, Emerson had regained the full use of his hands and could play to his usual strength. In 2016, he was corresponding with a carpal-tunnel syndrome expert about his struggle with focal dystonia, who said "Musicians can't talk about it because they won't get another gig if word gets out that they're in pain so they keep quiet." Sadly Keith took his own life in March 2016. I feel honored to have met him back in 1992!!!!!!!!

[@2war2bray]

Thank you so much Tom for putting this together, very enjoyable..

[@theyak7912]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@phillipschlegel6663]

Appreciate the work here 🎵

[@theyak7912]

You're welcome Phillip

[@geoffreydowen5793]

great research,very well put together. bring o n part 2 saw them two times, luckily.

[@derekshipley7055]

Thank you for this insight. Well researched and the clips you found are amazing!

[@theyak7912]

Hi Derek - thank you kindly! Nice to hear.

[@juansolis4796]

I love this band... I think it should be more well known. But I´m gald I do.

[@MarcelloDiLorenzo]

Keith was a genius. Period.

[@petedee123]

I was lucky enought to see The Nice, and my favourite song from them is the live version of Hang On To A Dream performed on the German TV programme Beat Club, for me that shows Emerson at his best.

[@Tracey..H]

What a pleasure to see all these rare photos and this great bio, for a genius that deserves much more attention. He’s my favorite composer. Ethereal, beautiful, manic, thunderous and much appreciated by me! Ty for this great film

[@theyak7912]

Hey, you're welcome Tracey!

[@THEFORBIDDENMAN-lk7of]

THANKS FOR SHARING THIS INFORMATION

[@theyak7912]

My pleasure!

[@kellymelrose8527]

wow some very rare videos.. i would imagine ..thanks for giving Keith the recognition he truly deserves

[@theyak7912]

Thank you Kelly, this is certainly much appreciated

[@mikewest1542]

Genius gets bounded around a lot, but this man truly was , a genius !

[@artboy57]

I still have about 12 pictures I took of Keith with a crappy little rangefinder camera during their Brain Salad Surgery tour(Or was it the Works Tour? I forget). In one Keith looked right at me, "Who's THIS guy?" look! I loved it. My hero!

[@reneelyons6836]

That solo still is great today. Brilliant Video!!

[@theyak7912]

Thank you kindly Renee!

[@reneelyons6836]

Your Welcome

[@cosmicHalArizona]

Went to an ELP concert way back that's when I became aware of the Leslie speaker. Great show.

[@Raelven]

This is incredibly well done, thank you.

[@theyak7912]

Thank you kindly Raelven, I hope you enjoy Parts 2 and 3 also. Tom

[@jeroenravesloot]

excellent documentary

[@theyak7912]

Thank you Jeroen. I also really like your piano playing. Cheers, Tom

[@AldousHuxleysCat]

Take a Pebble blew my mind. Trilogy, I've no words for the beauty Edit: Yes did Paul Simon's America not Leonard Bernstein's

[@theyak7912]

Hi Aldous, yes you are correct about that version - that’s a great pickup.

[@fabrikk60]

In early days Yes did play another Bernstein song, "Something's Coming". It's on their first box set.

[@zebo-the-fat]

Excelent, many clips that I hadn't seen before, looking forward to part 2

[@theyak7912]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jesserussell7242]

Even though Keith Emerson wasn’t happy with the solar one lucky man I think he did a fantastic job I just love his playing it’s great.

[@stratcat4450]

This is an excellent piece of rock history you have put together here. THANK YOU. I grew up on the Nice, then ELP. Through out my youth i really only loved thier first 3 albums. I still mostly feel that way to this day, although in my old age i appreciate the later ELP albums more than i used to. By the way i had and loved the five bridges album by the Nice when i was quite young an it shaped my future taste in music greatly!

[@theyak7912]

You're welcome Stratcat

[@originalsynthesist2268]

Really fun presentation. Thankyou!

[@theyak7912]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@domofswitch]

FABULOUS! THANKS FOR POSTING !!!

[@polygraphovich]

This is really cool. Thanks & looking forward to part 2.

[@theyak7912]

Thank you

[@djorlando57]

Awesome job with this buddy! I love the line “ he played the Hammond organ like a lead, guitarist! “ we’ll done ✅ video 🎉 for my Keyboard Mentor indeed

[@theyak7912]

Thank you kindly Doug!

[@bobinscotland]

Keith stated that he felt constrained by his "piece of furniture" and wished he could run around stage like a guitarist with his tongue hanging out... lol... he certainly made up for it, and introduced the knives as a gimmick one night to distract people from fighting in the audience as they turned to watch the crazy guy on stage.

[@scottlukert5287]

So many never before seen photos and footage! Really nice hahah

[@theyak7912]

Thank you Scott!

[@josephpetrella9866]

They put out so much music for 3 guys.

[@katiaorsini1263]

Interessante ricostruzione biografica grazie.... tutto quello che riguarda il Maestro è interessante❤❤❤

[@theyak7912]

Bello da sentire - grazie amico mio. Saluti!

[@everyonelovespotatoes7242]

Some footages and news I was not aware. Very interesting! Thank for posting this very good job.

[@theyak7912]

Thank you - I love the keyboard playing on your channel by the way, and the channel name too!

[@birdg2112]

Fantastic video. Congrats!

[@theyak7912]

Glad you liked it!

[@merlin5476]

Thoroughly enjoyed that. Cheers. Subscribed.