The 1969 debut album In the Court of the Crimson King provided the initial commercial breakthrough for Greg Lake, who served as both producer and lead vocalist on the record. Born in 1947 in Poole, United Kingdom, Lake established himself as a versatile musician, moving between roles as a singer, guitarist, bassist, and record producer throughout his long career.
Early Development and Training
Raised in the Oakdale suburb, Lake was introduced to music through his mother, a pianist. He received early guitar instruction from Don Strike in Westbourne, where he studied musical notation alongside pop tunes from the 1930s. After leaving Poole High School, Lake briefly worked at the local docks and as a draughtsman before dedicating himself to a professional music career at 17.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Progression Through Groups
Lake performed in several ensembles including Unit Four, the Time Checks, the Shame, and the Shy Limbs. By 1968, he joined the Gods, securing a residency at the London Marquee Club. His friendship with fellow Dorset musician Robert Fripp led to his entry into King Crimson. Within this group, Lake transitioned to playing the bass guitar, contributing to the band's rapid ascent before his departure in 1970.
Success with ELP and Solo Ventures
Following his exit from King Crimson, Lake formed the progressive rock supergroup Emerson, Lake & Palmer. He produced their work and wrote popular songs such as "Lucky Man" and "From the Beginning," both of which charted. His solo career began in 1975 with the single "I Believe in Father Christmas," which reached number two in the UK. Later, he released three albums with the Greg Lake Band and toured as a solo artist into the 21st century.
Final Years
In addition to his performance work, Lake produced recordings for other artists and participated in fundraisers for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. He briefly joined the band Asia in 1983 for three performances in Tokyo. Lake died on 7 December 2016 in London at the age of 69 due to pancreatic cancer and was buried at Putney Vale Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1947, Poole, United Kingdom
- Died: 2016, London
- Primary instruments: voice, electric bass, acoustic bass, guitar
- Notable bands: King Crimson, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Asia, The Gods
- Education: Poole High School
- Burial site: Putney Vale Cemetery
- First song written: Lucky Man (at age 12)
Questions readers ask
What instruments did Greg Lake play?
He was a singer, guitarist, and bassist.
Which bands was Greg Lake a member of?
He played with Unit Four, the Time Checks, the Shame, the Shy Limbs, the Gods, King Crimson, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and Asia.
Achievements
- Instruments: voice, electric bass and acoustic bass
- Genres: progressive rock, art rock and hard rock
