Emerson Lake & Palmer were progressive rock's first supergroup. Greeted by the rock press and the public as something akin to conquering heroes, they succeeded in broadening the audience for progressive rock from hundreds of thousands into tens of millions of listeners, creating a major radio phenomenon as well. Their flamboyance on record and in the studio echoed the best work of the heavy metal bands of the era, proving that classical rockers could compete for that arena-scale audience. Over and above their own commercial success, the trio also paved the way for the success of such bands as Yes, who would become their chief rivals for much of the 1970s.

The group's self-titled debut album was released in November of 1970. An instant success, it rose to the Top Five in England and the Top 20 in America. The single "Lucky Man" also was a hit, and their stage act rapidly became the stuff of legend.

ELP split up in 1979, with Pamer later Palmer joining the pop supergroup Asia. In 1991, Emerson, Lake & Palmer reunited for an album called Black Moon, followed by a successful tour.

Shout! Factory is proud to team up with ELP for The Essential Emerson Lake & Palmer, the first career spanning 2-CD set in almost 15 years, and reissues of their classic 1970s albums, featuring remastered sound and new liner notes.