Deep Purple Family Tree

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Metal Family Tree

This is a project aimed at making it easy to see who inspired the bands you love or even hate. For this I try not to use any influences that the band don’t claim themselves. There will be a focus on predecessors but successors will be added as they site the band. These trees become more and more interactive as new bands are added, allowing you to click any band that has a tree and jump to it.

We want our lists to be better. If you know something that belongs on this list, let us know. When in doubt we will leave it out, so we need reliable sources.

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Deep Purple have been hugely influential on metal music although they have only played a limited amount of metal songs being more rock/hard rock band. Because we don’t consider Deep Purple a metal band and because only their classic line ups have been influential to metal this list of influences will only focus on the classic line up (1970-1975). Ritchie Blackmore is one of the most influential guitar players on metal and the same can be said about John Lord on keys, Ian Paice on drums, Ian Gillan and Glenn Hughes on vocals. We will not focus on David Coverdale because I haven’t seen him named as an influence by any metal bands although I will revisit this list if that becomes the case in the future. I haven’t seen Roger Glover listed as an influence by anyone but we will still look at him because he had a hand in the classic Deep Purple sound. Deep Purple have very diverse influences ranging from many style of music.

Johann Sebastian Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach was a baroque period composer. He is one of Ritchie’s “classical” influences.

Johann Sebastian Bach was a baroque period composer. He is one of Ritchie’s “classical” influences.

 

Antonio Vivaldi

Antonio Vivaldi was a baroque period violinist and composer. He is one of Ritchie’s “classical” influences.

Antonio Vivaldi was a baroque period violinist and composer. He is one of Ritchie’s “classical” influences.

 
 

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a classical era virtuoso and composer. Ritchie is known for his classical style of playing and some of that is influenced by Mozart. Mozart is also one of Jon’s classical influences.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a classical era virtuoso and composer. Ritchie is known for his classical style of playing and some of that is influenced by Mozart. Mozart is also one of Jon’s classical influences.

 
 

Ludwig van Beethoven

Beethoven is probably the most well known classical composer. He is one of Jon’s classical influences.

Beethoven is probably the most well known classical composer. He is one of Jon’s classical influences.

 

Frédéric Chopin

Chopin was a classical pianist and composer. He was one of Jon’s classical influences.

Chopin was a classical pianist and composer. He was one of Jon’s classical influences.

Franz Liszt

Fraz was a Romantic period pianist, and composer among other things. He is one of Jon’s “classical” influences.

Fraz was a Romantic period pianist, and composer among other things. He is one of Jon’s “classical” influences.

 

Enrico Caruso

Enrico Caruso was an Italian opera singer and was an influence on Gillan.

Enrico Caruso was an Italian opera singer and was an influence on Gillan.

 
 

Django Reinhardt

Django Reinhardt was a gypsy jazz player known for only having use of two fingers. Ritchie named him as an early idol.

Django Reinhardt was a gypsy jazz player known for only having use of two fingers. Ritchie named him as an early idol.

 

Les Paul

Les Paul was a guitarist who played about every style of guitar that existed at the time. He even got a guitar model named after him. Ritchie named him as an early idol.

Les Paul was a guitarist who played about every style of guitar that existed at the time. He even got a guitar model named after him. Ritchie named him as an early idol.

Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson was a jazz pianist who was hero of Jon.

Oscar Peterson was a jazz pianist who was hero of Jon.

Ella Fitzgerald was a jazz/swing/ classic pop singer. She was an influence on Gillan.

Ella Fitzgerald was a jazz/swing/ classic pop singer. She was an influence on Gillan.

Gene Krupa

Gene Krupa was a jazz drummer/composer. He was an influence on Paice.

Gene Krupa was a jazz drummer/composer. He was an influence on Paice.

One of the most important rock and roll stars, Little Richard had an influence on both Jon, and Gillan from both his singing and piano playing. Paice said LIttle Richard’s band was probably the greatest rock n roll band.

One of the most important rock and roll stars, Little Richard had an influence on both Jon, and Gillan from both his singing and piano playing. Paice said LIttle Richard’s band was probably the greatest rock n roll band.

Little Walter

Little Walter was a influential blues singer/musician. He is an influence on Gillian.

Little Walter was a influential blues singer/musician. He is an influence on Gillian.

Dave Brubeck

Dave Brubeck was a jazz pianist that was a hero Jon.

Dave Brubeck was a jazz pianist that was a hero Jon.

Buddy Rich

Buddy Rich was a big band drummer / band leader and one of the most influential drummers of his time. He was an influence on Paice.

Buddy Rich was a big band drummer / band leader and one of the most influential drummers of his time. He was an influence on Paice.

Scotty Moore

Scotty Moore was the guitarist who played with Elvis. Ritchie named him as an early idol.

Scotty Moore was the guitarist who played with Elvis. Ritchie named him as an early idol.

Elvis the dubbed “the king of rock n roll” by many, was an influence in Gillan.

Elvis the dubbed “the king of rock n roll” by many, was an influence in Gillan.

Tommy Steele

Tommy Steele was a rock n roll teen idol in the UK. Seeing him as a kid is what made Ritchie first pick up guitar.

Tommy Steele was a rock n roll teen idol in the UK. Seeing him as a kid is what made Ritchie first pick up guitar.

Cliff Gallup

Cliff Gallup was a session player known for playing with Gene Vincent. Ritchie named him as an early idol.

Cliff Gallup was a session player known for playing with Gene Vincent. Ritchie named him as an early idol.

Jimmy Smith

Jon Lord said jazz pianist Jimmy Smith was like a god to him.

Jon Lord said jazz pianist Jimmy Smith was like a god to him.

Who? Ricky or Rick Nelson was basically a 50’s teen idol who played rock n roll, country, pop, basically a 1950’s Justin Bieber. Not so much of an influence as Ritchie just strait up stole the riff he would use for “Black Night”

Who? Ricky or Rick Nelson was basically a 50’s teen idol who played rock n roll, country, pop, basically a 1950’s Justin Bieber. Not so much of an influence as Ritchie just strait up stole the riff he would use for “Black Night”

Ray Charles was pioneer of Soul music and an influence on Gillan.

Ray Charles was pioneer of Soul music and an influence on Gillan.

Big Jim Sullivan

Big Jim Sullivan was a session player whom Ritchie lived in the same area with. Ritchie tried to compete with and copy his playing.

Big Jim Sullivan was a session player whom Ritchie lived in the same area with. Ritchie tried to compete with and copy his playing.

Nero and the Gladiators

Nero and the Gladiators wasn’t a band that has gotten much attention. They was combining classical music with rock and a young Ritchie Blackmore was very influenced by this. They were a big influence on the more classical Rainbow sound.

Nero and the Gladiators wasn’t a band that has gotten much attention. They was combining classical music with rock and a young Ritchie Blackmore was very influenced by this. They were a big influence on the more classical Rainbow sound.

Cliff Bennett and The Rebel Rousers were a British R&B group. Ian Gillan said he spent the next 30 years trying to get his voice to sound like Cliff Bennett after seeing them.

Cliff Bennett and The Rebel Rousers were a British R&B group. Ian Gillan said he spent the next 30 years trying to get his voice to sound like Cliff Bennett after seeing them.

The Shadows were the backing band for Cliff Richards before being an instrumental rock band. They one of the most important and under mentioned bands for the creation of heavy metal being both an influence on Ritchie as well as Tony Iommi. Both we…

The Shadows were the backing band for Cliff Richards before being an instrumental rock band. They one of the most important and under mentioned bands for the creation of heavy metal being both an influence on Ritchie as well as Tony Iommi. Both were influenced by Hank Marvin of The Shadows.

Wes Montgomery

Wes Montgomery was a jazz player named as an early idol by Ritchie

Wes Montgomery was a jazz player named as an early idol by Ritchie

Jerry Lee Lewis was a rock n roll singer/piano player. He had a huge influence on Jon being the first rock n roll he heard.

Jerry Lee Lewis was a rock n roll singer/piano player. He had a huge influence on Jon being the first rock n roll he heard.

James Brown is the king of funk and an influence of Gillan.

James Brown is the king of funk and an influence of Gillan.

Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan was an influential singer/song writer. He is Roger’s favorite writer.

Bob Dylan was an influential singer/song writer. He is Roger’s favorite writer.

The Beatles had an influence on the rhythm guys of Deep Purple, Paice and Roger.

The Beatles had an influence on the rhythm guys of Deep Purple, Paice and Roger.

Dusty Springfield was a pop singer in the 60’s. She was an influence on Gillan.

Dusty Springfield was a pop singer in the 60’s. She was an influence on Gillan.

The who was one of the first bands to move rock into a harder sound. Ritchie named them as an influence. He said hearing them let the guitars feed back was an eye opener for him. He also said Pete Townshends style of writing is what made him want to…

The who was one of the first bands to move rock into a harder sound. Ritchie named them as an influence. He said hearing them let the guitars feed back was an eye opener for him. He also said Pete Townshends style of writing is what made him want to write his own stuff.

Ritchie named Mike Bloomfield of The Paul Butterfield Blues band as an influence on him.

Ritchie named Mike Bloomfield of The Paul Butterfield Blues band as an influence on him.

Graham Bond

Graham Bond was a blues/jazz organist who is the father of British rhythm and blues. Jon said he taught him most of what he knows.

Graham Bond was a blues/jazz organist who is the father of British rhythm and blues. Jon said he taught him most of what he knows.

One of the most influential guitar players of all time Jimi Hendrix was playing a flashy blues rock / psychedelic style. Blackmore has written riffs inspired by Hendrix.

One of the most influential guitar players of all time Jimi Hendrix was playing a flashy blues rock / psychedelic style. Blackmore has written riffs inspired by Hendrix.

Cream was one of the heaviest bands around prier to heavy metal, playing a hard blues rock / psychedelic rock. Ritchie wrote riffs inspired by Eric Clapton. Jack Bruce was an influence on Roger.

Cream was one of the heaviest bands around prier to heavy metal, playing a hard blues rock / psychedelic rock. Ritchie wrote riffs inspired by Eric Clapton. Jack Bruce was an influence on Roger.

Vanilla Fudge was a psychedelic band in the late 60’s. When Deep Purple started to take a heavier approach, they were a big influence on Ritchie, Paice, and Jon.

Vanilla Fudge was a psychedelic band in the late 60’s. When Deep Purple started to take a heavier approach, they were a big influence on Ritchie, Paice, and Jon.

Jeff Beck is one of the influential guitarists that got a start in the Yardbirds before starting his own band. Ritchie named Jeff as his idol.

Jeff Beck is one of the influential guitarists that got a start in the Yardbirds before starting his own band. Ritchie named Jeff as his idol.

Shuggie Otis

Shuggie Otis was mostly funk based player. Ritchie named him as a “blues” influence.

Shuggie Otis was mostly funk based player. Ritchie named him as a “blues” influence.

Led-Zeppelin is more of a peer to Deep Purple, but Ritchie said after hearing the first Zeppelin album the band decided to go in a heavier direction.

Led-Zeppelin is more of a peer to Deep Purple, but Ritchie said after hearing the first Zeppelin album the band decided to go in a heavier direction.

Mountain with guitarist influential guitarist Leslie West was another band that was big influence on Ritchie as Deep Purple moved to a heavier sound.

Mountain with guitarist influential guitarist Leslie West was another band that was big influence on Ritchie as Deep Purple moved to a heavier sound.

Ritchie named a lot of country guitar players as being really good but didn’t name them as direct influences. These include Jimmy Bryant, Chet Atkins, Glen Campbell, and Buck Owens & The Buckeroos. He would do the same for blues players Peter Green with John Mayall, B.B. King and Mick Taylor who played with both John Mayall and The Rolling Stones.

Jon Lord played classical piano till he was 18. In an interview in 1989 he said he was going back to re-learn classical stuff that is noted above. I keep seeing  Jimmy McGriff and Jack McDuff listed as influences but I haven’t’ seen any sources to back this up yet.

Ian Paice, besides what is noted above he is also influenced by Bobby Elliot of The Hollies.

Ian Gillan came from a musical family and was exposed to a verity of styles. He first got into rock n roll after hearing “Heartbreak Hotel.” He said he is influenced by a lot of blues singers like Sonny Boy Williamson but there are two blues singers that went by the name and he did not specify which one. Before being in Deep Purple he sung in a harmony group and is a big fan of the Beach Boys.

Roger says he is more influenced by writers than players. He said even though he has a lot of respect for someone like Jaco Pastorius he prefers good song writers even if they are not technically as proficient.

Rodger Glover’s bass influences include many motown players. He says he wrote the riff to Maybe I’m A Leo after hearing John Lennon’s “How Do You Sleep”.

Bands influenced by Deep Purple!

As this project advances, bands will be added here… there are many!

The influential Michael Schenker named Deep Purple as an influence.

The influential Michael Schenker named Deep Purple as an influence.

Scorpions of one of many bands with a vocalist influenced by Gillan.

Scorpions of one of many bands with a vocalist influenced by Gillan.

The Metal Gods

The Metal Gods

Heavy Metal / Hard Rock Legends

Heavy Metal / Hard Rock Legends

 
NWOBHM

NWOBHM

 
Influential NWOBHM

Influential NWOBHM

Out of the NWOBHM, Iron Maiden are one of the most influential bands.

Out of the NWOBHM, Iron Maiden are one of the most influential bands.

If you don’t know Ozzy, I don’t know how to help you.

If you don’t know Ozzy, I don’t know how to help you.

The fathers of extreme

The fathers of extreme

NWOBHM with a lot of Speed Metal

NWOBHM with a lot of Speed Metal

Industrial Metal Pioneers

Industrial Metal Pioneers

Metal Masters

The Fathers of Thrash

The Fathers of Thrash

Heavy Metal from the Bay Area

Heavy Metal from the Bay Area

German Thrash and first wave black metal

German Thrash and first wave black metal

Deep Purple were the once named as Ronnie’s favorite band as well as them influencing members of his band.

Deep Purple were the once named as Ronnie’s favorite band as well as them influencing members of his band.

Danish Thrashers

Danish Thrashers

Hugely influential thrash masters

Hugely influential thrash masters

Thrash Masters with Father Dave Mustaine

Progressive Metal Pioneers

Progressive Metal Pioneers

German fathers of Power Metal

German fathers of Power Metal

Cheesy Christian Metal

Cheesy Christian Metal

German Speed, Power, and more

German Speed, Power, and more

Thrash Legends

Thrash Legends

Phoenix Thrashers

Phoenix Thrashers

Bay Area Thrashers

Bay Area Thrashers

Fathers of Sludge

Fathers of Sludge

Grindcore and Melodic Death pioneers

Grindcore and Melodic Death pioneers

Death/Doom to Symphonic

Death/Doom to Symphonic

One of the biggest of Death Metal

One of the biggest of Death Metal

A death metal classic.

A death metal classic.

Fathers of Groove

Fathers of Groove

Taking Black metal in a progressive direction.

Taking Black metal in a progressive direction.

Power Metal Masters

Power Metal Masters

Modern Death/Melodic Death blend

Modern Death/Melodic Death blend

Melodic Death Groove

Melodic Death Groove

Gothic / Symphonic

Gothic / Symphonic

Heavy/Power Metal

Heavy/Power Metal

Sources:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l22yOjWthGI
https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-real-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-ritchie-blackmore
https://www.newsweek.com/ritchie-blackmore-deep-purple-rainbow-blackmores-night-539420
https://guitar.com/features/ritchie-blackmore-recalls-life-deep-purple/
https://www.vintageguitar.com/32424/ritchie-blackmore-3/
https://noisecreep.com/deep-purple-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame/
https://www.chrissjuicebar.com/portfolio-items/ian-gillanlead-singer-songwriter-and-lyricist-for-deep-purple-one-of-the-most-influential-artists-of-hard-rock-and-heavy-metal/
https://www.thehighwaystar.com/interviews/lord/jl19890100.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YM7TidriOz4
https://www.thehighwaystar.com/interviews/paice/ip199812xx.html
https://pearldrum.com/artists/drumset-artists/ian-paice
https://www.rogerglover.com/bass-players-question-time/personal/