Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Meet the 2013 Nominees

This pioneering British band, formed by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and classically trained organist Jon Lord, was present at the creation of heavy metal. Deep Purple inspired countless major hard rock and metal acts – not to mention all the young guitarists who have learned to play Blackmore's enduring riff from "Smoke on the Water."

Active: 1968-present

Previous nominations: 0

Signature songs: "Smoke on the Water," "Woman From Tokyo," "Hush"

From the RS Archives: Deep Purple: Self Evaluation Time Again (1973)