Feature Photo: Knipselyst, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Deep Purple first formed in Hertford, Hertfordshire, England, in 1968, when musicians Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord, Ian Paice, Rod Evans, and Nick Simper came together, initially under the name “Roundabout,” before finally choosing the iconic name Deep Purple. The band’s origins were steeped in a love for blues and progressive rock, which quickly evolved into a signature brand of hard rock and heavy metal, pioneering elements that would inspire countless musicians across generations.
The band’s journey in the recording industry began with their debut album, Shades of Deep Purple (1968), followed closely by The Book of Taliesyn and Deep Purple, which showcased their initial psychedelic influences and burgeoning experimental style. However, it was their fourth album, Deep Purple in Rock (1970), that solidified their direction and marked a shift toward heavier rock music. Deep Purple have released 23 studio albums, along with numerous live recordings, compilations, and box sets, demonstrating their impressive longevity in a notoriously fickle industry.
Deep Purple’s international breakthrough came with their 1972 album, Machine Head, recorded under extraordinary circumstances in Montreux, Switzerland, after a fire destroyed their planned recording venue. This event inspired their most famous song, “Smoke on the Water,” instantly recognizable by its iconic guitar riff. “Smoke on the Water” reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming their signature track. Other major hits include “Black Night,” “Strange Kind of Woman,” “Child in Time,” and “Highway Star,” each demonstrating the band’s mastery of powerful vocals, virtuosic musicianship, and memorable songwriting.
Deep Purple has undergone numerous lineup changes, known famously by fans as “Mark” lineups, each iteration reflecting shifts in musical direction and band chemistry. The Mark II lineup—consisting of Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice—is widely regarded as the definitive formation, responsible for their most acclaimed works, including Machine Head, Fireball, and the legendary live album Made in Japan (1972). This lineup highlighted the band’s unparalleled musicianship, particularly Jon Lord’s distinctive Hammond organ sound and Blackmore’s virtuoso guitar playing, both central to the group’s enduring legacy.
Deep Purple’s impact on rock music has not gone unnoticed by their peers or the broader industry. They’ve sold over 100 million records worldwide, and VH1 ranked them number 22 on their list of the Greatest Artists of Hard Rock. In recognition of their groundbreaking career and significant influence on rock music, Deep Purple was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, affirming their lasting imprint on popular culture and music history.
Beyond their extraordinary musical career, Deep Purple’s members have also pursued meaningful projects outside music. Ian Gillan, notably, has been actively involved in charity work, including significant contributions to various humanitarian causes. Jon Lord, until his death in 2012, dedicated much of his later career to composing classical works, collaborating with orchestras and exploring musical avenues far beyond the hard rock genre, highlighting the band’s capacity for artistic evolution and cultural breadth.
Deep Purple remains revered in rock music not simply for their commercial success but for their ability to innovate continually. Their sophisticated blend of raw rock power, classical influences, and blues roots, combined with their groundbreaking performances, has cemented their status as legendary musical icons. Fans and fellow musicians alike deeply appreciate Deep Purple for their authenticity, enduring creativity, and unwavering dedication to the spirit of rock and roll.
Complete List Of Deep Purple Songs From A to Z
Studio Albums
Shades of Deep Purple (1968): 10 songs
The Book of Taliesyn (1968): 13 songs
Deep Purple (1969): 10 songs
Deep Purple in Rock (1970): 7 songs
Fireball (1971): 8 songs
Machine Head (1972): 7 songs
Who Do We Think We Are (1973): 7 songs
Burn (1974): 9 songs
Stormbringer (1974): 9 songs
Come Taste the Band (1975): 10 songs
Perfect Strangers (1984): 10 songs
The House of Blue Light (1987): 10 songs
Slaves and Masters (1990): 10 songs
The Battle Rages On… (1993): 10 songs
Purpendicular (1996): 13 songs
Abandon (1998): 12 songs
Bananas (2003): 12 songs
Rapture of the Deep (2005): 12 songs
Now What?! (2013): 12 songs
Infinite (2017): 14 songs
Whoosh! (2020): 13 songs
Turning to Crime (2021): 17 songs
Check out our fantastic and entertaining Deep Purple articles, detailing in-depth the band’s albums, songs, band members, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com
Ian Paice of Deep Purple: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview
Roger Glover of Deep Purple: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview
Steve Morse Interview: Deep Purple Road Stories
Steve Morse Interview: 10 Albums That Changed My Life
Complete List Of Deep Purple Band Members And Lineups
Complete List Of Deep Purple Albums And Discography
Top 10 Deep Purple Songs
All About The Musicians Who Played On Deep Purple Albums
Complete List Of Deep Purple Studio Albums And Songs
10 Biggest Deep Purple Hits
Deep Purple Come Taste the Band: Album Review
Top 10 Deep Purple Albums
Deep Purple Returns To Classic Rock Form With InFinite Album
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