Former Deep Purple keyboard player Jon Lord has passed away at the age of 71.
A pivotal figure in the development of hard rock and metal, Jon Lord’s roots actually lie in jazz. Inspired by organ players such as Jimmy Smith and Jimmy McGriff, the young musician played in small groups around London before gaining employing in pop sessions.
Performing on countless hits, near misses and complete flops the session circuit boned Jon Lord with his contemporaries. Later performing with unjustly forgotten R&B types The Artwoods, the keyboard player developed a heavy, raucous sound.
One of the instigators behind the formation of Deep Purple, his keyboard sound smothered their early material. Debut hit ‘Hush’ was essentially a showcase for Jon Lord, while the composer’s classical flourishes would become more obvious as the band progressed.
Often performing in front of massive amplifiers, Lord’s volume and technique would become a touchstone for a generation. Still writing and composing until recently, the keyboard player was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year.
Tragically passing away yesterday (July 16th) musicians from across the rock and metal spectrum were quick to pay tribute. Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello wrote on Twitter: “RIP the great Jon Lord, Deep Purple’s cornerstone/keyboardist. So many great great songs and that incredible SOUND of his! Thankyou.”
Yes keyboard player Rick Wakeman mourned his close friend and contemporary. “We were going to write and record an album before he become ill,” he said. “His contribution to music and to classic rock was immeasurable and I will miss him terribly.”