Died On This Date (July 16, 2012) Jon Lord / Deep Purple; Whitesnake

themusicsover July 16, 2012 0 Comments

Jon Lord
June 9, 1941 – July 16, 2012

Jon Lord was an influential English keyboardist who, as co-founder of Deep Purple, has been recognized for pioneering the use of baroque and classical elements in rock music.  Lord was just 5 years old when he began studying classical piano. As he  grew older, he started gravitating toward the raw organ sounds coming from American blues artists like Jimmy Smith and Jimmy McGriff. After settling in London during the late ’50s, Lord did session work (he can be heard on the Kinks‘ “You Really Got Me”) and played in various jazz and blues groups.  In 1968, he and drummer, Ian Paice formed Deep Purple.  Lord went on to play in all variations of the group through 2002.  With worldwide hits like “Hush,” “Smoke On The Water,” and “Highway Star,” – all prominently featuring Lord’s iconic organ sounds – Deep Purple, along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, are considered the flash point of heavy metal.  They would go on to sell over 100 million albums are were even recognized as the “Globe’s Loudest Band” by Guinness Book Of World Records.  In 1978, Lord joined up with one-time Deep Purple band mate, David Coverdale in his new group, Whitesnake.  Although more a hired-gun than a full-time member, Lord’s tenure with Whitesnake lasted until 1984.   The collaborators with whom he worked throughout his career seems endless.  He also made several albums of his own.  During the early months of 2012, Lord was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer which ultimately contributed to his death by pulmonary embolism on July 16, 2012.  John Lord was 71 when he passed away.

Thanks to Bruce Kilgour at Slipped Disc Entertainment for the assist.

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