An Interview with Keith Emerson’s Son, Aaron Emerson, and Grandson, Ethan Emerson

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Interview with Aaron Emerson, Keith Emerson’s son, at the LoFaro Center of The Performing Arts, March 15, 2019.

Interview with Ethan Emerson, Keith Emerson’s grandson, at the LoFaro Center of The Performing Arts, March 15, 2019.

Keith Emerson’s son, Aaron Emerson, and grandson, Ethan Emerson, at the LoFaro Center of The Performing Arts, March 15, 2019
Keith Emerson's son, Aaron, and grandson, Ethan, at the LoFaro Center of The Performing Arts, March 15, 2019

Aaron Emerson and his son, Ethan Emerson, held a tribute to their father/grandfather, Keith Emerson, where they performed music, shared personal stories and engaged in a question & answer with the audience.

In a quaint home and art studio in Henniker, New Hampshire, Jerry and Kathleen LoFaro hosted Keith Emerson’s son, Aaron, and grandson, Ethan, for a tribute to probably the most influential keyboardist in rock history. I was very honored to not only attend, but also help produce a tribute video for Keith that was played at the event, and also interview both Aaron and Ethan on camera.

It turns out this was both Aaron’s and Ethan’s first on-camera interview – but you would never know it. Both Emerson’s exhibited poise and good humor during their interviews. I was particularly impressed with Ethan. His mom, Jo, told me that this 13 year old flips a switch when he’s ready to perform, and becomes quite the showman. True to form, not only was he the consummate professional on camera, but Ethan was very good with engaging the audience during the concert.

This was Aaron and Ethan Emerson’s First On-Camera Interview

The tribute video for Keith Emerson was a whirlwind to put together and, at times, very surreal. Jerry LoFaro and his various contacts were able to surprise Aaron and Ethan with video well wishes from close friends of the family, including highly regarded musicians such as Rick Wakeman, Geoff Downes, Jordan Rudess and Steve Hackett.

It felt like an out-of-body experience watching these luminaries from the music industry give such personal messages.

Keith Emerson’s grandson, Ethan Emerson, at the LoFaro Center of The Performing Arts, March 15, 2019
Ethan Emerson at the LoFaro Center of The Performing Arts, March 15, 2019
Elliot Gould interviewing Keith Emerson’s son, Aaron Emerson
Aaron Emerson with Elliot Gould at the LoFaro Center of The Performing Arts, March 15, 2019 (photo courtesy of Jerry LoFaro)

Jerry had the concert filmed so I asked him to have the video production team also film the audience reaction during the playing of the tribute video. In particular, I wanted to make sure there was a camera on the Emerson’s. The tribute video available on line is a compilation of both the tribute video and the audience watching it in real time. I think this makes a more powerful presentation, allowing the viewer to feel more like they were a part of the event, and experience the true emotion in the room.

The Keith Emerson tribute video included well wishes from Rick Wakeman, Geoff Downes, Jordan Rudess and Steve Hackett

The evening was magical. A lot of love and respect for Keith, Aaron and Ethan. Everyone was excited to see them keep the Emerson spirit alive.

A Magical Evening

Aaron Emerson told me later that this tribute actually touched him deeper than the 2017 concert held to celebrate his father in Birmingham featuring an all-star lineup of musicians. He said this event felt very personal and quite moving.

The concert portion of the evening was pure joy. Aaron played a keen variation on “Fanfare for the Common Man,” while Ethan tackled many Keith Emerson originals. But the audience melted when Ethan started playing the opening notes to “Trilogy.” I can’t imagine what an audience would do when they hear Ethan one day play the opening to “Karn Evil 9.”

A Big Thank You

I have to thank my wonderful friends Jerry and Kathleen LoFaro for hosting this house concert. As always, their incredible generosity and genuine warmth is truly inspirational.

The Keith Emerson tribute video.

Elliot Gould interviewing Keith Emerson’s grandson, Ethan Emerson
Ethan Emerson with Elliot Gould at the LoFaro Center of The Performing Arts, March 15, 2019 (photo courtesy of Jerry LoFaro)
Showing 8 comments
  • Michael Sidello
    Reply

    Elliot – Great job with the the interviews, production and photography. Thank You and everyone else involved in bringing putting on The Event Of A Lifetime at The LoFaro Center Of The Performing Arts. Those of us who were so fortunate to have been there will never forget it, smile and maybe shed a few tears listening to the interviews and performances and viewing the photos. Outstanding job from everyone and Thank You to The Emerson Family!

    • admin
      Reply

      Hi Mike. Thanks so much for the kind words. It was certainly a very special evening. I was very glad to be a part of it.

  • Ed Morgan
    Reply

    I was there. It was an amazing evening. I was in the back of the theater crying. Ethan was brilliant. Aaron’s version of Fanfare on piano starting out the concert broke me down to tears. The Emerson family were friendly. I spoke with Zachary Emerson about his tortoises 🐢🐢. At the end of the night everyone was posing with photos of my otters, Mr Squeakers and Noelly Emerson Otter. One otter is named after Keith Emerson. Noel was his middle name and father’s name. Aaron informed me that otters were Keith’s favorite animal. Blew my mind. Thank you Jerry LaFaro, Mr Buzz Delano, Emerson family and of course, Michael Sidello.

  • Pete Dahl
    Reply

    Thank you, Elliot, for sharing these lovely interviews. The adventures of the Aaron Emerson family are a bright, luminous haven on social media.

    • admin
      Reply

      Pete, thanks so much.

  • Joan Jarvis
    Reply

    Elliot Thank you so much for this! I was at the Lofaro Center Of The Performing Arts just for that performance. Seeing the interviews made that night even more memorable.

    • admin
      Reply

      You are most welcome! It was indeed a special evening.

  • Kimballl Sugg
    Reply

    Glad to see this finally. I’m an old cowhand from Florida.

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