RIP: Jon Lord of Deep Purple, at 71

Jon Lord, former keyboardist for Deep Purple, passed away today after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 71.

Lord is best known among classic rock fans for co-founding Deep Purple in 1968 and co-writing such hits as "Smoke on the Water." He also recorded with The Kinks and joined other bands, including Whitesnake, after Deep Purple broke up in 1976.

Besides writing your dad's favorite radio-ready riffs, Lord also enjoyed a thriving career in classical music. Originally trained as a classical pianist, Lord began composing and recording classical works during his time with Deep Purple and continued for the duration of his life. Check out the performance of his first composition, Concerto for Group and Orchestra, with Deep Purple and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 1969.

[bbc]