Jon Lord

British rock keyboardist and composer

Jon Lord was an English composer, pianist, and Hammond organ player known for his pioneering work in fusing rock with classical or baroque forms, especially with the band Deep Purple. Born on June 9, 1941, in Leicester, Lord co-founded Deep Purple in 1968, a band which would go on to become one of the most influential and successful rock groups of all time. He was recognized for his distinctive organ sound and contributed significantly to the band's songwriting and musical direction. In addition to his work with Deep Purple, Jon Lord also had a prolific solo career. He composed and recorded several solo albums where he explored different genres and collaborated with various musicians. His solo works often showcased his interest in blending classical music with rock elements. Jon Lord's influence extended beyond his performances as he was also respected for his compositional skills. He passed away on July 16, 2012, leaving behind a legacy that has inspired countless musicians and composers within both the rock and classical music communities.