Rockers We’ve Lost in 2012: Deep Purple’s Jon Lord

We lost a true legend this year in Deep Purple keyboardist and founding member Jon Lord. The musician passed away on July 16 at the age of 71 after suffering a pulmonary embolism. Lord was also battling pancreatic cancer at the time of his death.

Lord's greatest accomplishments include co-writing the classic Deep Purple track 'Smoke on the Water,' appearing on six Whitesnake albums and releasing a pair of solo records in the '80s.

Lord's website stated that he was "surrounded by his loving family" at the time of his death. He had been planning a comeback show July 12, but had to cancel the performance due to his ailing health. The keyboardist is survived by his wife Vickie and two daughters - Amy and Sara.