Jon Douglas Lord was an English Hammond organ and piano player. He was born in Leicester on 9 June 1941 and died on 16 July 2012. He began to play professionally in 1966. Lord was a member of Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Paice, Ashton & Lord, The Artwoods, and Flowerpot Men. He is recognized for combining rock and classical music. In 1968, Lord co-founded Deep Purple, the band he was most well-known for. Lord and the drummer, Ian Paice, were the only constant band members for 34 years.