John Lord Keyboardist, composer, arranger. Date of Birth: 09.06.1941 Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of Jon Lord
2. Early Career
3. Transition to Deep Purple
4. Later Career

Biography of Jon Lord

Jon Lord, a keyboardist, composer, and arranger, began studying classical piano and organ at the age of five. His father served as an organist in one of London's churches, and Jon would occasionally fill in for him. He graduated from the London College of Music, Drama, and Comedy, and then studied at the conservatory. While playing in various bands, Jon Lord became the resident organist at St. Theresa's Church in London until the beginning of 1968.

Early Career

In 1960, Jon Lord joined the Bill Ashton Combo and in 1961, he joined Red Bludd's Bluesicians, which later changed its name to The Art Woods Combo and then to Artwoods in 1963. Artwoods was an excellent rhythm and blues group consisting of Jon Lord on keyboards, Derek Griffiths on guitar, Art Wood on vocals, Malcolm Pool on bass guitar, and Kif Hartley on drums. Artwoods recorded six singles, but the group never gained popularity. In the summer of 1967, Artwoods renamed themselves St. Valentine's Day Massacre and disbanded in the fall of the same year.

Transition to Deep Purple

For a little over a month, Jon Lord joined the group Santa Barbara Machine Head and in October 1967, he became part of the Flowerpot Men, with bass guitarist Nick Simper, who later joined the original lineup of Deep Purple. Flowerpot Men achieved success with the single "Let's Go To San Francisco," but in February 1968, Jon Lord and Nick Simper joined Roundabout. A month later, Ritchie Blackmore and two musicians from Episode Six joined them, giving birth to Deep Purple.

Later Career

After the breakup of Deep Purple, Jon Lord released solo albums while continuing to work with the group. He then collaborated with Ashton and Paice before joining Whitesnake. As a session musician, Jon Lord worked with various artists, and his high level of professionalism was recognized not only by rock musicians but also by classical music specialists. Elements of classical music can be found in his solo works and arrangements. Currently, Lord is once again a member of Deep Purple in its latest incarnation.