# Greg Lake

> English bassist, guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and producer (1947–2016)

**Wikidata**: [Q343075](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q343075)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Lake)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/greg-lake

## Summary
Greg Lake was an English bassist, guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer (1947–2016), best known as the founding member of the progressive rock band King Crimson and for his work with Emerson, Lake & Palmer. He was a key figure in the development of progressive rock and art rock, contributing to iconic albums like *In the Court of the Crimson King* and *Emerson, Lake & Palmer*.

## Biography
- Born: November 10, 1947, in London, England
- Nationality: British
- Education: Studied at the Royal Academy of Music
- Known for: Pioneering progressive rock music and art rock
- Employer(s): King Crimson, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Manticore Records, Atlantic Records, Island Records, Chrysalis Records
- Field(s): Music, rock music, progressive rock, art rock

## Contributions
- **King Crimson**: Founding member and primary songwriter for the band, contributing to albums like *In the Court of the Crimson King* (1969) and *Red* (1974), which defined progressive rock.
- **Emerson, Lake & Palmer**: Co-founded the band with Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer, leading to albums like *Emerson, Lake & Palmer* (1970) and *Brain Salad Surgery* (1973), which blended rock and classical influences.
- **Solo Work**: Released solo albums such as *Greg Lake* (1972) and *The Lake* (1977), showcasing his versatility as a musician.
- **Production**: Produced albums for other artists, including *The Gods* (1969) and *Asia* (1982).
- **Record Labels**: Founded Manticore Records (1973) and worked with Atlantic Records and Island Records.

## FAQs
**What was Greg Lake’s primary musical contribution?**
Greg Lake was a founding member of King Crimson and co-founder of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, shaping the development of progressive rock and art rock with groundbreaking albums like *In the Court of the Crimson King* and *Brain Salad Surgery*.

**Which bands did Greg Lake found?**
Greg Lake founded King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, two of the most influential bands in progressive rock.

**What record labels was Greg Lake associated with?**
Greg Lake was associated with Manticore Records, Atlantic Records, Island Records, and Chrysalis Records, contributing to the music industry as both an artist and a producer.

**What genres did Greg Lake work in?**
Greg Lake worked in progressive rock, art rock, hard rock, and folk rock, blending classical influences with rock music.

**What was Greg Lake’s educational background?**
Greg Lake studied at the Royal Academy of Music, honing his skills in music and performance.

**What was Greg Lake’s role in King Crimson?**
Greg Lake was a primary songwriter and bassist for King Crimson, helping define the band’s progressive rock sound.

## Why They Matter
Greg Lake’s work revolutionized progressive rock and art rock, influencing generations of musicians with his innovative songwriting and instrumental techniques. His collaborations with King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer created landmark albums that blended rock with classical and jazz elements, expanding the boundaries of rock music. As a producer and label founder, he also shaped the music industry, leaving a lasting legacy in both performance and production. Without Greg Lake, progressive rock would lack many of its defining sounds and techniques.

## Notable For
- Founding member of King Crimson, one of the most influential progressive rock bands.
- Co-founder of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, a pioneering band in progressive rock.
- Producer of iconic albums like *The Gods* (1969) and *Asia* (1982).
- Founder of Manticore Records, contributing to the music industry as a label executive.
- Worked with major labels like Atlantic Records and Island Records.
- Released influential solo albums, including *Greg Lake* (1972) and *The Lake* (1977).
- Blended classical, jazz, and rock influences in his music, defining art rock.
- Educated at the Royal Academy of Music, shaping his musical expertise.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Greg Lake was born on November 10, 1947, in London, England. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music, where he developed his skills in music and performance. His education laid the foundation for his future career in progressive rock.

### Career in Progressive Rock
Greg Lake is best known as the founding member of King Crimson, a band that defined progressive rock with albums like *In the Court of the Crimson King* (1969) and *Red* (1974). He was also a co-founder of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, which released groundbreaking albums like *Emerson, Lake & Palmer* (1970) and *Brain Salad Surgery* (1973). These bands blended rock with classical and jazz influences, creating a unique sound that influenced future generations of musicians.

### Solo Work and Production
In addition to his work with King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Greg Lake released solo albums such as *Greg Lake* (1972) and *The Lake* (1977). He also produced albums for other artists, including *The Gods* (1969) and *Asia* (1982), showcasing his versatility as a musician and producer.

### Record Labels and Industry Influence
Greg Lake founded Manticore Records in 1973, contributing to the music industry as a label executive. He also worked with major labels like Atlantic Records and Island Records, helping to shape the sound of progressive rock and art rock. His work in the industry further cemented his legacy as a key figure in music.

### Legacy and Influence
Greg Lake’s contributions to progressive rock and art rock remain influential today. His innovative songwriting and instrumental techniques continue to inspire musicians, and his work with King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer is considered foundational in the genre. As a producer and label founder, he also left a lasting impact on the music industry, ensuring his place in rock history.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Czech National Authority Database
4. Find a Grave
5. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. MusicBrainz
8. Discogs
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
11. Encyclopaedia Metallum
12. [King Crimson star Greg Lake dies aged 69](http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-38251936)
13. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2016/12/08/world/europe/ap-eu-britain-obit-greg-lake.html)
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. BBC Things
16. ISWC Network
17. ACE Repertory
18. Genius API
19. Quora
20. The Movie Database
21. YouTube API