Where did the rock band Deep Purple get the inspiration for its name?

A sweet, sentimental ballad, “Deep Purple” was written as an instrumental number for piano by Peter DeRose in 1933. Babe Ruth liked the song so much that Mr. DeRose, himself, played it at The Babe’s birthday parties. It was also a favorite of Guitarist Richie Blackmore’s grandmother, who played it on her own piano. When his group was looking for a name, Blackmore suggested it.

“Deep Purple” was Mr. DeRose’s greatest hit. Sheet-music sales of the song were so brisk that Mitchell Parish a prominent lyricist of the day, added words to the song in 1938.

As an instrumental, “Deep Purple” was a hit for Paul Whiteman, who led a jazz and dance “big band” in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Another famous bandleader, Jimmy Dorsey, charted with the song, reaching number two. Guy Lombardo’s version reached number nine. With lyrics, the song was covered through the 1930’s by Larry Clinton and His Orchestra, with Bea Wain on vocals; Matty Malneck and His Orchestra, with Bing Crosby singing; and others.

In the 1950’s, the song reentered the music foreground with versions by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, The Dominoes, and Harry James. In 1963, siblings Nino Tempo and April Stevens recorded a “Deep Purple” duet that reached the top of the charts.