The Meaning Behind the Name 'Deep Purple' for the Legendary Rock Band
The name 'Deep Purple' has resonated through the annals of rock music, representing some of the greatest hits and albums in the genre. But do you know why this iconic band adopted this seemingly unusual name? The story of the name's origins is far from ordinary and is as fascinating as the music itself.
The Rise of 'Deep Purple'
The band that we now recognize as Deep Purple was initially known as Roundabout. This name symbolized the transition and evolution of the band, personified by the band members switching between different projects and collaborations. However, it was their decision to choose the name 'Deep Purple' that truly cemented their identity and legacy.
The Inspiration from a Favorite Song
According to Richie Blackmore, the guitarist of the band, the name 'Deep Purple' was inspired by an old song, a tune that was a favorite of his grandmother. The story goes that this song played a significant role in the band's decision-making process for their name. While it is not definitively known which song this is, it is believed that the inspiration came from 'Slowly My Love' by the Jules Spannaus Trio, a 1934 recording that has since gained renewed popularity.
The Band's Formative Years
The journey of Deep Purple began when Chris Curtis, a talented musician, persuaded businessman Tony Edwards to fund a new band. Curtis had the idea of members jumping on and off as needed, unsure of how long the band would last. Jon Lord, a flatmate of Curtis, was recruited, along with Jon's mates Nick Simper and Carlos Little. Ritchie Blackmore, a guitarist and an aspiring singer at the time, was brought in under the condition that Carlos be replaced by Bobbie Woodman, known as Bobbie Clarke. Sadly, Curtis was let go and the band needed a new singer. Rod Evans and his drummer, Ian Paice, filled the void.
A Tribute to a Family Member
With a new lineup, every member began to suggest potential names for the band. Some suggestions were quite creative, such as 'Concrete God,' but ultimately, 'Deep Purple' was the name that resonated the most. Ian Paice, the drummer, has even mentioned a childhood memory of the band writing names on the fridge door, which suggests a collaborative and playful environment in the band's early days.
The Source of the Name 'Deep Purple'
Richie Blackmore, the guitarist and one of the founding members, credits his mother's favorite song for the band's name. He mentions that the song 'Roundabout,' a 1930s standard re-popularized by Nino Tempo and April Stevens in 1963, was the inspiration. Blackmore contended that this was the particular song his aunt would play when he visited her, making it an unforgettable memory for him. The love for this song was strong enough to influence the entire band's identity.
The Evolution of the Name
The band had initially performed under the name 'Roundabout' due to its influence on the album 'Roundabout' by the band Yes. However, the name change to 'Deep Purple' occurred when Blackmore, who was touring in Sweden and Denmark, felt it was time for the band to have a more memorable and catchy name. He remembered the song and decided to name the band after it, a decision that would become iconic in the realm of rock music.
Conclusion
The name 'Deep Purple' for the legendary rock band is more than just a music group's title. It is a story of inspiration, family, and the power of music. From your grandmother's favorite song to the band's early days on the frigid door of their rehearsal space, the story of Deep Purple's name evolution is a testament to the enduring influence of music in our lives.