Deep Purple is an English
rock band formed in Hertfordshire in 1968. Together with
Led Zeppelin and
Black Sabbath they are considered to be heavy metal pioneers. Especially influential to heavy metal were
Ian Gillan's powerful screams and
Ritchie Blackmore's virtuoso solos. Deep Purple were also very influential to
progressive rock. Deep Purple's early output ranged from rock (such as their cover of
Joe South's "
Hush)" to strongly classically influenced pieces (such as "
April", from their third album).