Jon Lord

Jonathan Douglas "Jon" Lord D.M. (born 9 June 1941; † 16. Juli 2012 in London) was an English composer, pianist and Hammond organ player known for his pioneering work in fusing rock and classical or baroque forms, especially with Deep Purple, besides Whitesnake, Paice, Ashton & Lord, The Artwoods and Flower Pot Men.

In 1968, Lord founded Deep Purple, where he was virtually the leader of the band until 1970. In addition, Lord wrote the organ riff on "Child in Time". He and drummer Ian Paice were the only constant band members during the band's existence from 1968 to 1976 and from when they reformed in 1984 until Lord's retirement from Deep Purple in 2002. Since the departure Jon Lord musical focus is on classical music.

On 11 November 2010, Lord was made an Honorary Fellow of Stevenson College, Edinburgh. On 15 July 2011, he was granted an honorary Doctor of Music degree by his home town's University of Leicester.

Later on in 2011, Lord was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He passed away on 16 July 2012, surrounded by his family at the London Clinic after a pulmonary embolism.