Jon Lord Of Deep Purple Has Died

At age 71 after battle with pancreatic cancer.

Jon Lord, the founder of and famed keyboardist for pioneering jazz-rock fusion band Deep Purple, passed away today at the London Clinic, surrounded by his family.

"Jon passes from Darkness to Light."
— Posted on Jon's website this afternoon

PA Wire / AP

FILE - In this file photo dated Sept. 23, 1969 shows Deep Purple's Jon Lord, died aged 71, Monday, July 16, 2012. The Leicester-born keyboard player, who had pancreatic cancer, died in London today.