Jon Lord, founder member of Deep Purple, died yesterday after losing his fight against Pancreatic Cancer.
Johns keyboard playing provided the backcloth and some times the lead for Deep Purples distinctive sound. His Hammond organ sound was a key component and counterpoint to Ritchie Blackmores guitar playing.
Besides playing with Deep Purple Jon was part of Whitesnake and the collaboration Paice, Ashton & Lord. He also appears on, or is credited on, recordings by many well know artists including David Gilmour, The Kinks, George Harrison, Sam Brown and Nazareth to name but a few. We should not omit the many solo and orchestral works that he has created over the years.
I was priveleged to see Jon Playing as part of the Purple incarnation that also featured Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice and Ritchie Blackmore when they played Portsmouth Guildhall (9 February 1971). A stunning show featuring stunning musicians.
The music world has lost a great talent but his legacy will play on.
