Formation and Country
Greg Lake, born Gregory Stuart Lake on November 10, 1947, in Poole, Dorset, England, was a renowned British musician and vocalist. He is best known as a founding member of the progressive rock bands Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP) and King Crimson.
Key Bands and Membership
- King Crimson (1969–1970)
- Formation: King Crimson was formed in London in 1969. Greg Lake joined the band as the bassist and co-vocalist in its early days.
- Members at the time of Lake:
- Robert Fripp (guitar)
- Greg Lake (bass, vocals)
- Michael Giles (drums)
- Ian McDonald (saxophone, keyboards)
- Peter Sinfield (lyricist)
- Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP) (1970–1979, 1985–1998)
- Formation: ELP was formed in 1970 by Greg Lake, Keith Emerson, and Carl Palmer.
- Members:
- Keith Emerson (keyboards)
- Greg Lake (vocals, bass)
- Carl Palmer (drums)
Full Discography
- King Crimson
- In the Court of the Crimson King (1969)
- In the Wake of Poseidon (1970)
- Lizard (1970)
- Islands (1971)
- Emerson, Lake & Palmer
- Emerson, Lake & Palmer (1970)
- Tarkus (1971)
- Pictures at an Exhibition (1971)
- Trilogy (1972)
- Brain Salad Surgery (1973)
- Welcome Back My Friends to the Show That Never Ends (1974)
- Works Volume 1 (1977)
- Works Volume 2 (1977)
- Love Beach (1978)
- Black Moon (1992)
- In the Hot Seat (1994)
- Solo Career
- Greg Lake (1981)
- Manoeuvres (1983)
- Lend Your Legs (1984)
- Live in Vienna (1998)
- Songs of a Lifetime (2013)
King Crimson – Epitaph (1969)
History
- Early Life and Career: Greg Lake began his musical journey as a young teenager, playing guitar and later switching to bass. He gained prominence with King Crimson’s debut album, which set a new standard for progressive rock.
- Emerson, Lake & Palmer Era: ELP became one of the most successful and influential progressive rock bands of the 1970s. Lake’s contributions were vital to the band’s sound, particularly his bass playing and distinctive vocals.
- Solo Career: After ELP’s initial split, Lake pursued a solo career with varying success. His solo work often incorporated elements of the progressive rock style he was known for with ELP.
Interesting Details
- Involvement in Music Evolution: Lake was instrumental in the development of the symphonic and progressive rock genres. His work with ELP combined classical influences with rock, creating a unique and innovative sound.
- Unique Voice: Lake’s vocal style, characterized by its clarity and emotional depth, contributed significantly to the distinctive sound of both King Crimson and ELP.
- Legacy: Despite the band’s ups and downs, Lake’s contributions have had a lasting impact on rock and progressive music, influencing countless artists and bands that followed.
Musical Themes
- Progressive Rock: Lake’s work with ELP is renowned for its ambitious compositions, blending classical music elements with rock. Themes often explored include mythology, fantasy, and complex narratives.
- Introspective and Poetic Lyrics: His solo work often delved into personal and introspective themes, exploring human emotions and experiences through his lyrical content.
Greg Lake’s contributions to music have left an indelible mark on the progressive rock genre, and his work with both King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.
