Greg Lake, Legendary British Musician, Passes Away at 69

Greg Lake, Legendary British Musician, Passes Away at 69

Greg Lake the iconic British musician and founding member of King Crimson and Emerson Lake & Palmer (ELP) has passed away at the age of 69. Lake’s manager confirmed that he died on December 7, 2016, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Born on November 10, 1947, in Poole, Dorset, England, Lake began his music career in the late 1960s. He co-founded King Crimson in 1969, playing bass and providing vocals on their debut album, “In the Court of the Crimson King.” Lake’s time with King Crimson was short-lived, but his impact on the band’s sound and style was significant.

In 1970, Lake joined forces with Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer to form Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP). The band would go on to become one of the most successful and influential progressive rock groups of all time, known for their complex compositions, virtuosic musicianship, and theatrical live performances.

Throughout his career, Lake was renowned for his powerful, soulful voice and his mastery of the bass guitar. He was also a skilled songwriter and producer, penning many of ELP’s most beloved songs, including “Lucky Man” and “From the Beginning.”

Lake’s work with ELP earned him numerous accolades, including several gold and platinum albums. He also released several solo albums, including “Greg Lake” (1981) and “Manoeuvres” (1983).