Deep Purple Keyboardist Jon Lord Dead at 71

Jon Lord at the Sunflowerjam, London, 2007 Photo Credit – Menerbes

Iconic keyboardist Jon Lord has passed away at 71 due to a pulmonary embolism. Lord, who had been receiving treatments in Israel for pancreatic cancer died at a private hospital in London surrounded by family.  Lord, a founding member of Deep Purple is likely best remembered for his swirling keyboard work on Deep Purples “Hush” and “Highway Star” but also co-wrote “Smoke on the Water” (the first song most fledgling rock guitarists learn to play).  Lord went on to play with “Whitesnake” after Deep Purple and then reformed Deep Purple.

Some of Jon Lord’s exceptional keyboard work can be seen in the accompanying video below: