Deep Purple

"The family tree of musicians and bands that sprouted from Deep Purple is truly amazing. The group, which spawned the likes of David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes, is one of the true pioneers of the hard rock and heavy metal sound."

"Although Deep Purple helped lay the foundation for the heavy metal, their consummate musicianship meant they also transcended the genre. Indeed, they began as a progressive rock group with their eyes, unusually, on the singles market. Yet they certainly rocked, as their shows from the earliest days conclusively proved."