Jon Lord (1941 - 2012) was an English composer, pianist, and Hammond organ player known for his pioneering work in fusing rock with classical or baroque forms, especially with 'Deep Purple', as well as 'Whitesnake', 'Paice', 'Ashton & Lord', 'The Artwoods', and 'The Flower Pot Men'. Jon Lord composed the 'Concerto for Group and Orchestra' in 1968 and it was first performed by 'Deep Purple' and 'The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra' conducted by Malcolm Arnold on 24 September 1969 and released on vinyl in December 1969. After the score was lost in 1970, it was performed again in 1999 with a recreated score. The 1969 performance was the first ever combination of rock music and a complete orchestra and has been cited as paving the way for other rock/orchestra performances such as Roger Water's 'The Wall Berlin' performance.
