Jon Lord (1941-2012) was an English; rock composer, pianist, and organ player. Lord co-founded the English rock band Deep Purple in 1968 and he was regarded as the leader of the band until 1970. Lord and Ian Piace were the only two continuous members until Lords retirement in 2002. In 2011 Lord was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died from complications of it in 2012. Lord was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.

Lord is also known for his contributions in the following bands/projects

• The Artwoods
• Whitesnake
• John Lord (solo project)
• The Hoochie Coochie Men
• Paice Ashton Lord