JOEL SERO
joelsero
joel sero

Joel sero joel sero joel sero joel sero joelsero joel sero
joel sero
joel sero
joel sero
joel sero
joel sero
Mr. sero
mr. sero
mr. Joel P sero
mr. Joel P. Sero
Joel Sero
Joel Sero
joel sero
Joel Sero
Joel sero

JOEL SERO
joelsero
joel sero
Joel sero joel sero joel sero joel sero joelsero joel sero
joel sero
joel sero
joel sero
joel sero
joel sero
Mr. sero
mr. sero
mr. Joel P sero
mr. Joel P. Sero
Joel Sero
Joel Sero
joel sero
Joel Sero
Joel sero

JOEL SERO
joelsero
joel sero
Joel sero joel sero joel sero joel sero joelsero joel sero
joel sero
joel sero
joel sero
joel sero
joel sero
Mr. sero
mr. sero
mr. Joel P sero
mr. Joel P. Sero
Joel Sero
Joel Sero
joel sero
Joel Sero
Joel sero

JOEL SERO
joelsero
joel sero
Joel sero joel sero joel sero joel sero joelsero joel sero
joel sero
joel sero
joel sero
joel sero
joel sero
Mr. sero
mr. sero
mr. Joel P sero
mr. Joel P. Sero
Joel Sero
Joel Sero
joel sero
Joel Sero
Joel sero

JOEL SERO
joelsero
joel sero
Joel sero joel sero joel sero joel sero joelsero joel sero
joel sero
joel sero
joel sero
joel sero
joel sero
Mr. sero
mr. sero
mr. Joel P sero
mr. Joel P. Sero
Joel Sero
Joel Sero
joel sero
Joel Sero
Joel sero

JOEL SERO
joelsero
joel sero

Very insightful and funny article. Ronnie was “cool” to the masses at one time; but then “cool” to his fans. Thank you for a great article.

Comment by Joel Sero on December 5, 2011 @ 6:26 am

Very insightful and funny article. Ronnie was “cool” to the masses at one time; but then “cool” to his fans. Thank you for a great article.

Very insightful and funny article. Ronnie was “cool” to the masses at one time; but then “cool” to his fans. Thank you for a great article.

Comment by Joel Sero on July 22, 2012 @ 11:11 am

Great article. No Dio was not cool; and that unto itself, was cool. He never gave up and never gave in. Sure he wanted to uphold and image, and while others wavered, Ronnie never did, and his fans, myself included, appreciated that. Even though I am now well in my forties, I still listen to him and respect him more than any other musician. RJD was the consummate metal musician . . . REAL, PURE, UNRELENTING Heavy Metal: Classic HEAVY METAL.

Per Wikipedia:

“Ronnie James Dio was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire to Italian parents.[6] They lived in Portsmouth until the family moved to Cortland, New York early in his life.

He initially played the trumpet and French horn[7] and even recorded several singles with various rockabilly bands when he was a boy. When he was in high school, he joined a band called The Vegas Kings, in which he played the bass guitar. He eventually became the lead singer of this band which changed its name to Ronnie & The Rumblers and finally to Ronnie & The Red Caps. Their first 7-inch single was released in 1958 on Reb Records under the name Ronnie & The Red Caps. Its A-side, “Conquest” is an instrumental reminiscent of The Ventures (though the Ventures’ first single did not appear until the following year), featuring Dio on trumpet. The B-side, “Lover” featured Billy DeWolfe on vocals but Dio’s voice can be heard in the background.

Dio graduated from the Cortland City School in 1960, and was inducted to the Cortland City School Hall of Fame in 2004.[8] He was also honored on November 15, 1988 by his hometown naming a street after him, Dio Way.[9]

During a performance at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Darien, NY (near Buffalo, NY) on September 19, 2007, Dio revealed that he had attended the University at Buffalo, majoring in pharmacy.[10] He attended from 1960 to 1961 but did not graduate.[6] He formed one of his early bands during his freshman year.[11]

He was offered a scholarship to the Juilliard School of Music but did not pursue it due to his interest in rock music.[12] Despite being known for his powerful singing voice, Dio claimed never to have taken any vocal training.[13] He attributed his singing ability to the correct breathing techniques he learned when playing the French horn as a child.

Dio’s musical career began in 1957 when several Cortland, New York musicians formed the band The Vegas Kings, which soon changed their name to Ronnie and the Rumblers. This band’s lineup had Padavona on the bass guitar, along with singer Billy DeWolfe, guitarist Nick Pantas, drummer Tom Rogers, and saxophone player Jack Musci.

In 1958, the band again changed their name, along with a few changes of personnel. The band was now known as Ronnie and the Redcaps. At this point, Padavona began singing, replacing DeWolfe. Musci also left the band, and a new guitarist, Dick Botoff, joined. The Redcaps lineup released two singles: “Conquest” b/w “Lover” (with DeWolfe on vocals on the B-side) on the Reb label, and on Seneca (S 178-102, USA), “An Angel Is Missing” with “What’d I Say” on the B side (both songs featuring Padavona, by now named “Ronnie Dio”, on vocals).

By 1961, they had changed their name to Ronnie Dio and The Prophets. The Prophets lineup lasted for several years, touring throughout the New York region and playing college fraternity parties, and produced several singles for Atlantic[14] and one album. Some of the single releases (such as “Mr. Misery” recorded for Swan) were labeled as being by Ronnie Dio as a solo artist even if the rest of the Prophets may have contributed to the recording.

Padavona took up the name “Dio” after mafia member Johnny Dio,[15] and first used it professionally at least by 1961, when he added it to the band’s second release on Seneca. Soon after that the band changed their name to Ronnie Dio and the Prophets. The group released several singles during the following years, until 1967.

Ronnie Dio and the Prophets disbanded in 1967, but he and Prophets guitarist Nick Pantas started a new band called the Electric Elves. They shortened their name to Elf in 1969, and eventually went on to become an opening act for Deep Purple while recording three albums.

[edit] Rainbow

Dio’s vocals caught the ear of Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, and when Blackmore left the band, he recruited Dio to Rainbow. Rainbow released its debut as Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow in 1975. Dio recorded two more classic albums (Rising and Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll) and the live album On Stage with Rainbow, but he left the band due to creative differences: Blackmore had wanted to take the band in a more commercial/mainstream direction.

[edit] Black Sabbath

In 1979, after leaving Rainbow, Dio joined Black Sabbath, replacing Ozzy Osbourne. That line-up released the highly successful Heaven and Hell album in 1980, which revitalized the band’s career. They then went on to record Mob Rules with Vinny Appice on drums. Vinny replaced original Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward during the tour for Heaven and Hell due to familial problems at the time. The album proved less successful than its predecessor, but still a hit[citation needed]. In 1982, disagreements over the mixing of Live Evil led to Dio and Appice quitting the band to form the band Dio. In 1992, Dio briefly returned to Black Sabbath to record Dehumanizer. The album was a minor hit, reaching the Top 40 in the United Kingdom, and #44 on the Billboard 200.

[edit] Dio

Main article: Dio (band)

Wanting to continue together as a band, Ronnie James Dio and Vinnie Appice formed Dio, the band, in 1982. On guitar played Vivian Campbell and on bass Jimmy Bain, the latter whom he had known since the old Rainbow days. Their debut album, Holy Diver, included the hit singles, “Rainbow in the Dark” and the title track, “Holy Diver”. As the band changed members over the years, Dio was the only original member. Except a few breaks, Dio, the band, was always touring or recording. They released ten albums, with Master of the Moon being the last one, recorded in 2004. During September 2005, Dio toured Siberia and Russia’s far east, kicking off in Khabarovsk.[16] In 2000, Century Media released Holy Dio: Tribute to Ronnie James Dio, an album featuring a number of covers by mainly power metal bands. The last song he recorded with his band was titled “Electra”.

Comment by Joel Sero on July 22, 2012 @ 11:12 am

Dio’s musical career began in 1957 when several Cortland, New York musicians formed the band The Vegas Kings, which soon changed their name to Ronnie and the Rumblers. This band’s lineup had Padavona on the bass guitar, along with singer Billy DeWolfe, guitarist Nick Pantas, drummer Tom Rogers, and saxophone player Jack Musci.

In 1958, the band again changed their name, along with a few changes of personnel. The band was now known as Ronnie and the Redcaps. At this point, Padavona began singing, replacing DeWolfe. Musci also left the band, and a new guitarist, Dick Botoff, joined. The Redcaps lineup released two singles: “Conquest” b/w “Lover” (with DeWolfe on vocals on the B-side) on the Reb label, and on Seneca (S 178-102, USA), “An Angel Is Missing” with “What’d I Say” on the B side (both songs featuring Padavona, by now named “Ronnie Dio”, on vocals).

By 1961, they had changed their name to Ronnie Dio and The Prophets. The Prophets lineup lasted for several years, touring throughout the New York region and playing college fraternity parties, and produced several singles for Atlantic[14] and one album. Some of the single releases (such as “Mr. Misery” recorded for Swan) were labeled as being by Ronnie Dio as a solo artist even if the rest of the Prophets may have contributed to the recording.

Padavona took up the name “Dio” after mafia member Johnny Dio,[15] and first used it professionally at least by 1961, when he added it to the band’s second release on Seneca. Soon after that the band changed their name to Ronnie Dio and the Prophets. The group released several singles during the following years, until 1967.

Ronnie Dio and the Prophets disbanded in 1967, but he and Prophets guitarist Nick Pantas started a new band called the Electric Elves. They shortened their name to Elf in 1969, and eventually went on to become an opening act for Deep Purple while recording three albums.

[edit] Rainbow

Dio’s vocals caught the ear of Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, and when Blackmore left the band, he recruited Dio to Rainbow. Rainbow released its debut as Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow in 1975. Dio recorded two more classic albums (Rising and Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll) and the live album On Stage with Rainbow, but he left the band due to creative differences: Blackmore had wanted to take the band in a more commercial/mainstream direction.

[edit] Black Sabbath

In 1979, after leaving Rainbow, Dio joined Black Sabbath, replacing Ozzy Osbourne. That line-up released the highly successful Heaven and Hell album in 1980, which revitalized the band’s career. They then went on to record Mob Rules with Vinny Appice on drums. Vinny replaced original Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward during the tour for Heaven and Hell due to familial problems at the time. The album proved less successful than its predecessor, but still a hit[citation needed]. In 1982, disagreements over the mixing of Live Evil led to Dio and Appice quitting the band to form the band Dio. In 1992, Dio briefly returned to Black Sabbath to record Dehumanizer. The album was a minor hit, reaching the Top 40 in the United Kingdom, and #44 on the Billboard 200.

[edit] Dio

Main article: Dio (band)

Wanting to continue together as a band, Ronnie James Dio and Vinnie Appice formed Dio, the band, in 1982. On guitar played Vivian Campbell and on bass Jimmy Bain, the latter whom he had known since the old Rainbow days. Their debut album, Holy Diver, included the hit singles, “Rainbow in the Dark” and the title track, “Holy Diver”. As the band changed members over the years, Dio was the only original member. Except a few breaks, Dio, the band, was always touring or recording. They released ten albums, with Master of the Moon being the last one, recorded in 2004. During September 2005, Dio toured Siberia and Russia’s far east, kicking off in Khabarovsk.[16] In 2000, Century Media released Holy Dio: Tribute to Ronnie James Dio, an album featuring a number of covers by mainly power metal bands. The last song he recorded with his band was titled “Electra”.

Comment by Joel P. Sero on July 22, 2012 @ 11:12 am

In October 2006, it was confirmed that Dio would be joining Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and former Black Sabbath drummer Vinny Appice to tour under the moniker Heaven & Hell, the title of the first Dio era Black Sabbath album. They chose the name Heaven & Hell as Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler were still in Black Sabbath with Ozzy Osbourne and felt it was best to use a different moniker for the Dio version of the band. Original Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward was to be involved in this project, but he later withdrew. In 2008 the band completed a 98-date world tour. The band released one album under the Heaven & Hell name, The Devil You Know, to critical and commercial acclaim. They also had planned to release a follow-up in 2010.

[edit] Other projects involved

In 1974, Dio sang on the Roger Glover conducted and produced concept album The Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper’s Feast. Along other guest-singers, the album featured Deep Purple alumni Glenn Hughes and David Coverdale. Dio provided vocals for the songs “Homeward”, “Sitting in a Dream” and the UK single “Love is All”.

In 1980, Dio sang the tracks “To Live for the King” and “Mask of the Great Deceiver” on Kerry Livgren’s solo album Seeds of Change. Dio, who was between stints as singer for Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow and Black Sabbath, later proved somewhat controversial among Livgren’s Christian fans, as Black Sabbath and Dio were then perceived as “satanic” by many Christians. Dio said in an interview that he did not consider the album to be a “Christian” album and had performed on it as a favor to Livgren.

In 1985, Dio contributed to the metal world’s answer to Band Aid and USA for Africa with the Hear’n Aid project. With a heavy metal all-star ensemble, which was the brainchild of his fellow Dio band mates Vivian Campbell and Jimmy Bain, he sang some of the vocals on the single “Stars” and an album full of songs from other artists given to charity.

The project raised $1 million within a year.

In 1997, Dio made a cameo on Pat Boone’s In a Metal Mood: No More Mr. Nice Guy, an album of famous heavy metal songs played in big band style. Dio can be heard singing backup on Boone’s take of “Holy Diver”.

Tenacious D included a tribute song entitled “Dio” that appeared on their self-titled album. The song explains how he has to “pass the torch” for a new generation. Reportedly, Dio approved of it, and had Tenacious D appear in his video “Push” from Killing the Dragon in 2002. He also appeared in the film Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny, playing himself.

In 2005, Dio was revealed to be the voice behind Dr. X in Operation: Mindcrime II, the sequel to Queensrÿche’s seminal concept album Operation: Mindcrime. His part was shown in a prerecorded video on the subsequent tour, and Ronnie appeared onstage to sing the part live on at least one occasion (both shown on the Mindcrime at the Moore DVD).

On January 17, 2007, he was inducted into the Rock Walk of Fame at Guitar Center on Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard.

Dio is thanked in the end credits of the 2011 film Atlas Shrugged: Part I, due to his being “one of the people who kept the project alive.”[17]

[edit] Personal life

Comment by Joel P. Sero on July 22, 2012 @ 11:13 am

Personal life

Ronnie James Dio performing at the Spodek arena in Katowice, Poland, June 20, 2007, with Heaven and Hell.

Ronnie James Dio and Vinny Appice at the Spodek arena, June 20, 2007.
Dio and his first wife, Loretta Berardi (born 1941), adopted a son, Dan Padavona.[6]

After divorcing Berardi, he married Wendy Gaxiola (born 1945) who also served as his manager. In the 1980s, she managed the Los Angeles rock bands Rough Cutt, Nuhaven (with drummer Doug Simpson), and Hellion. She is the chair of the privately sponsored organization, Children of the Night, dedicated to rescuing America’s children from prostitution. Dio remained married to Gaxiola until his death.

[edit] Illness and death

On November 25, 2009, Wendy announced that Dio had been diagnosed as having stomach cancer:[18]

“Ronnie has been diagnosed with the early stages of stomach cancer. We are starting treatment immediately at the Mayo Clinic. After he kills this dragon, Ronnie will be back on stage, where he belongs, doing what he loves best, performing for his fans. Long live rock and roll, long live Ronnie James Dio. Thanks to all the friends and fans from all over the world that have sent well wishes. This has really helped to keep his spirit up.”

On March 14, 2010, Wendy posted an online update on his condition:

“It has been Ronnie’s 7th chemo, another cat scan and another endoscopy, and the results are good – the main tumor has shrunk considerably, and our visits to Houston (cancer clinic in Texas) are now every three weeks instead of every two weeks.”

On May 4, 2010, Heaven & Hell announced they were canceling all summer dates as a result of Dio’s ill health.[19]

Dio died at 7:45 am (CDT) on May 16, 2010, of metastasized stomach cancer according to official sources.[20][21][22] Wendy said on Dio’s official site:[23][24]

“Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever.”

A public memorial service was held on May 30, 2010 at 2 p.m. at The Hall Of Liberty, Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive in Los Angeles.[25] The hall was filled to capacity with over 1,500 people so the remainder of the fans had to sit outside of the hall and watch from a live screen. Friends, family, and former and current band mates of Dio gave speeches and performed including Rudy Sarzo, John Payne, Glenn Hughes, Joey Belladonna, and Heaven & Hell keyboard player, Scott Warren. On the screen was an accompanying documentary covering Dio’s career from his early days with Elf to his final project with Heaven & Hell. Everybody who attended had the opportunity to view Dio’s coffin. The Westboro Baptist Church held a small rally denouncing Dio as a Satan worshiper.[26] Wendy Dio urged those attending the funeral to ignore the protest, saying:

“Ronnie hates prejudice and violence. We need to turn the other cheek on these people that only know how to hate someone they didn’t know. We only know how to love someone we know!”

[edit] Legacy

Dio’s monument in Kavarna, Bulgaria.
Dio’s career spanned over fifty years. During this period, and particularly in the 21st century, he received a number of distinctions and awards. He was inducted into the Cortland City Hall of Fame in 2004, and has a street named after him there called Dio Way. In his post-Elf band Rainbow, Ronnie wrote some of the first Power Metal lyrics. Classic Rock Magazine awarded Dio with the “Metal Guru Award” at their yearly “Roll Of Honour” awards ceremony in 2006. On January 17, 2007, Dio was inducted into Guitar Center’s Rock Walk of Fame in Hollywood, CA. Dio was named “Best Metal Singer” at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards in April 2010 for his work on The Devil You Know, making him the oldest recipient of this award at age 67. He accepted the award in person at what was to be his final public appearance, less than one month before his death.[27] The main stage of Bloodstock Open Air is also named after him in tribute after Heaven & Hell pulled out upon his death. Also the main stage on Masters of Rock festival carries his name since summer 2010. A Dio monument has been unveiled in Kavarna, Bulgaria.[28]

Rolling Stone magazine eulogized Dio with these words: “It wasn’t just his mighty pipes that made him Ronnie James Dio — it was his moral fervor…what always stood out was Dio’s raging compassion for the lost rock & roll children in his audience. Dio never pretended to be one of the kids — he sang as an adult assuring us that we weren’t alone in our suffering, and some day we might even be proud of conquering it”.[29]

On July 10, 2011 in parallel to Ronnie Dio’s birthday in Cortland, NY was held a day-long event featuring many central New York local bands and talent for a benefit to the Stand Up and Shout Cancer foundation for cancer research and Dio Memorial concert. Part of the proceeds from the event went to fund a memorial music scholarship for the local city high-school in his name.[30

Ronnie James Dio performing at the Spodek arena in Katowice, Poland, June 20, 2007, with Heaven and Hell.

Ronnie James Dio and Vinny Appice at the Spodek arena, June 20, 2007.
Dio and his first wife, Loretta Berardi (born 1941), adopted a son, Dan Padavona.[6]

After divorcing Berardi, he married Wendy Gaxiola (born 1945) who also served as his manager. In the 1980s, she managed the Los Angeles rock bands Rough Cutt, Nuhaven (with drummer Doug Simpson), and Hellion. She is the chair of the privately sponsored organization, Children of the Night, dedicated to rescuing America’s children from prostitution. Dio remained married to Gaxiola until his death.

[edit] Illness and death

On November 25, 2009, Wendy announced that Dio had been diagnosed as having stomach cancer:[18]

“Ronnie has been diagnosed with the early stages of stomach cancer. We are starting treatment immediately at the Mayo Clinic. After he kills this dragon, Ronnie will be back on stage, where he belongs, doing what he loves best, performing for his fans. Long live rock and roll, long live Ronnie James Dio. Thanks to all the friends and fans from all over the world that have sent well wishes. This has really helped to keep his spirit up.”

On March 14, 2010, Wendy posted an online update on his condition:

“It has been Ronnie’s 7th chemo, another cat scan and another endoscopy, and the results are good – the main tumor has shrunk considerably, and our visits to Houston (cancer clinic in Texas) are now every three weeks instead of every two weeks.”

On May 4, 2010, Heaven & Hell announced they were canceling all summer dates as a result of Dio’s ill health.[19]

Dio died at 7:45 am (CDT) on May 16, 2010, of metastasized stomach cancer according to official sources.[20][21][22] Wendy said on Dio’s official site:[23][24]

“Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever.”

A public memorial service was held on May 30, 2010 at 2 p.m. at The Hall Of Liberty, Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive in Los Angeles.[25] The hall was filled to capacity with over 1,500 people so the remainder of the fans had to sit outside of the hall and watch from a live screen. Friends, family, and former and current band mates of Dio gave speeches and performed including Rudy Sarzo, John Payne, Glenn Hughes, Joey Belladonna, and Heaven & Hell keyboard player, Scott Warren. On the screen was an accompanying documentary covering Dio’s career from his early days with Elf to his final project with Heaven & Hell. Everybody who attended had the opportunity to view Dio’s coffin. The Westboro Baptist Church held a small rally denouncing Dio as a Satan worshiper.[26] Wendy Dio urged those attending the funeral to ignore the protest, saying:

“Ronnie hates prejudice and violence. We need to turn the other cheek on these people that only know how to hate someone they didn’t know. We only know how to love someone we know!”

[edit] Legacy

Dio’s monument in Kavarna, Bulgaria.
Dio’s career spanned over fifty years. During this period, and particularly in the 21st century, he received a number of distinctions and awards. He was inducted into the Cortland City Hall of Fame in 2004, and has a street named after him there called Dio Way. In his post-Elf band Rainbow, Ronnie wrote some of the first Power Metal lyrics. Classic Rock Magazine awarded Dio with the “Metal Guru Award” at their yearly “Roll Of Honour” awards ceremony in 2006. On January 17, 2007, Dio was inducted into Guitar Center’s Rock Walk of Fame in Hollywood, CA. Dio was named “Best Metal Singer” at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards in April 2010 for his work on The Devil You Know, making him the oldest recipient of this award at age 67. He accepted the award in person at what was to be his final public appearance, less than one month before his death.[27] The main stage of Bloodstock Open Air is also named after him in tribute after Heaven & Hell pulled out upon his death. Also the main stage on Masters of Rock festival carries his name since summer 2010. A Dio monument has been unveiled in Kavarna, Bulgaria.[28]

Rolling Stone magazine eulogized Dio with these words: “It wasn’t just his mighty pipes that made him Ronnie James Dio — it was his moral fervor…what always stood out was Dio’s raging compassion for the lost rock & roll children in his audience. Dio never pretended to be one of the kids — he sang as an adult assuring us that we weren’t alone in our suffering, and some day we might even be proud of conquering it”.[29]

On July 10, 2011 in parallel to Ronnie Dio’s birthday in Cortland, NY was held a day-long event featuring many central New York local bands and talent for a benefit to the Stand Up and Shout Cancer foundation for cancer research and Dio Memorial concert. Part of the proceeds from the event went to fund a memorial music scholarship for the local city high-school in his name.[30

[edit] Other projects involved

In 1974, Dio sang on the Roger Glover conducted and produced concept album The Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper’s Feast. Along other guest-singers, the album featured Deep Purple alumni Glenn Hughes and David Coverdale. Dio provided vocals for the songs “Homeward”, “Sitting in a Dream” and the UK single “Love is All”.

In 1980, Dio sang the tracks “To Live for the King” and “Mask of the Great Deceiver” on Kerry Livgren’s solo album Seeds of Change. Dio, who was between stints as singer for Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow and Black Sabbath, later proved somewhat controversial among Livgren’s Christian fans, as Black Sabbath and Dio were then perceived as “satanic” by many Christians. Dio said in an interview that he did not consider the album to be a “Christian” album and had performed on it as a favor to Livgren.

In 1985, Dio contributed to the metal world’s answer to Band Aid and USA for Africa with the Hear’n Aid project. With a heavy metal all-star ensemble, which was the brainchild of his fellow Dio band mates Vivian Campbell and Jimmy Bain, he sang some of the vocals on the single “Stars” and an album full of songs from other artists given to charity.

The project raised $1 million within a year.

In 1997, Dio made a cameo on Pat Boone’s In a Metal Mood: No More Mr. Nice Guy, an album of famous heavy metal songs played in big band style. Dio can be heard singing backup on Boone’s take of “Holy Diver”.

Tenacious D included a tribute song entitled “Dio” that appeared on their self-titled album. The song explains how he has to “pass the torch” for a new generation. Reportedly, Dio approved of it, and had Tenacious D appear in his video “Push” from Killing the Dragon in 2002. He also appeared in the film Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny, playing himself.

In 2005, Dio was revealed to be the voice behind Dr. X in Operation: Mindcrime II, the sequel to Queensrÿche’s seminal concept album Operation: Mindcrime. His part was shown in a prerecorded video on the subsequent tour, and Ronnie appeared onstage to sing the part live on at least one occasion (both shown on the Mindcrime at the Moore DVD).

On January 17, 2007, he was inducted into the Rock Walk of Fame at Guitar Center on Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard.

Dio is thanked in the end credits of the 2011 film Atlas Shrugged: Part I, due to his being “one of the people who kept the project alive.”[17]

[edit] Personal life

In 1958, the band again changed their name, along with a few changes of personnel. The band was now known as Ronnie and the Redcaps. At this point, Padavona began singing, replacing DeWolfe. Musci also left the band, and a new guitarist, Dick Botoff, joined. The Redcaps lineup released two singles: “Conquest” b/w “Lover” (with DeWolfe on vocals on the B-side) on the Reb label, and on Seneca (S 178-102, USA), “An Angel Is Missing” with “What’d I Say” on the B side (both songs featuring Padavona, by now named “Ronnie Dio”, on vocals).

By 1961, they had changed their name to Ronnie Dio and The Prophets. The Prophets lineup lasted for several years, touring throughout the New York region and playing college fraternity parties, and produced several singles for Atlantic[14] and one album. Some of the single releases (such as “Mr. Misery” recorded for Swan) were labeled as being by Ronnie Dio as a solo artist even if the rest of the Prophets may have contributed to the recording.

Padavona took up the name “Dio” after mafia member Johnny Dio,[15] and first used it professionally at least by 1961, when he added it to the band’s second release on Seneca. Soon after that the band changed their name to Ronnie Dio and the Prophets. The group released several singles during the following years, until 1967.

Ronnie Dio and the Prophets disbanded in 1967, but he and Prophets guitarist Nick Pantas started a new band called the Electric Elves. They shortened their name to Elf in 1969, and eventually went on to become an opening act for Deep Purple while recording three albums.

[edit] Rainbow

Dio’s vocals caught the ear of Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, and when Blackmore left the band, he recruited Dio to Rainbow. Rainbow released its debut as Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow in 1975. Dio recorded two more classic albums (Rising and Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll) and the live album On Stage with Rainbow, but he left the band due to creative differences: Blackmore had wanted to take the band in a more commercial/mainstream direction.

[edit] Black Sabbath

In 1979, after leaving Rainbow, Dio joined Black Sabbath, replacing Ozzy Osbourne. That line-up released the highly successful Heaven and Hell album in 1980, which revitalized the band’s career. They then went on to record Mob Rules with Vinny Appice on drums. Vinny replaced original Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward during the tour for Heaven and Hell due to familial problems at the time. The album proved less successful than its predecessor, but still a hit[citation needed]. In 1982, disagreements over the mixing of Live Evil led to Dio and Appice quitting the band to form the band Dio. In 1992, Dio briefly returned to Black Sabbath to record Dehumanizer. The album was a minor hit, reaching the Top 40 in the United Kingdom, and #44 on the Billboard 200.

[edit] Dio

Main article: Dio (band)

Wanting to continue together as a band, Ronnie James Dio and Vinnie Appice formed Dio, the band, in 1982. On guitar played Vivian Campbell and on bass Jimmy Bain, the latter whom he had known since the old Rainbow days. Their debut album, Holy Diver, included the hit singles, “Rainbow in the Dark” and the title track, “Holy Diver”. As the band changed members over the years, Dio was the only original member. Except a few breaks, Dio, the band, was always touring or recording. They released ten albums, with Master of the Moon being the last one, recorded in 2004. During September 2005, Dio toured Siberia and Russia’s far east, kicking off in Khabarovsk.[16] In 2000, Century Media released Holy Dio: Tribute to Ronnie James Dio, an album featuring a number of covers by mainly power metal bands. The last song he recorded with his band was titled “Electra”.

Per Wikipedia:

“Ronnie James Dio was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire to Italian parents.[6] They lived in Portsmouth until the family moved to Cortland, New York early in his life.

He initially played the trumpet and French horn[7] and even recorded several singles with various rockabilly bands when he was a boy. When he was in high school, he joined a band called The Vegas Kings, in which he played the bass guitar. He eventually became the lead singer of this band which changed its name to Ronnie & The Rumblers and finally to Ronnie & The Red Caps. Their first 7-inch single was released in 1958 on Reb Records under the name Ronnie & The Red Caps. Its A-side, “Conquest” is an instrumental reminiscent of The Ventures (though the Ventures’ first single did not appear until the following year), featuring Dio on trumpet. The B-side, “Lover” featured Billy DeWolfe on vocals but Dio’s voice can be heard in the background.

Dio graduated from the Cortland City School in 1960, and was inducted to the Cortland City School Hall of Fame in 2004.[8] He was also honored on November 15, 1988 by his hometown naming a street after him, Dio Way.[9]

During a performance at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Darien, NY (near Buffalo, NY) on September 19, 2007, Dio revealed that he had attended the University at Buffalo, majoring in pharmacy.[10] He attended from 1960 to 1961 but did not graduate.[6] He formed one of his early bands during his freshman year.[11]

He was offered a scholarship to the Juilliard School of Music but did not pursue it due to his interest in rock music.[12] Despite being known for his powerful singing voice, Dio claimed never to have taken any vocal training.[13] He attributed his singing ability to the correct breathing techniques he learned when playing the French horn as a child.

Dio’s musical career began in 1957 when several Cortland, New York musicians formed the band The Vegas Kings, which soon changed their name to Ronnie and the Rumblers. This band’s lineup had Padavona on the bass guitar, along with singer Billy DeWolfe, guitarist Nick Pantas, drummer Tom Rogers, and saxophone player Jack Musci.

In 1958, the band again changed their name, along with a few changes of personnel. The band was now known as Ronnie and the Redcaps. At this point, Padavona began singing, replacing DeWolfe. Musci also left the band, and a new guitarist, Dick Botoff, joined. The Redcaps lineup released two singles: “Conquest” b/w “Lover” (with DeWolfe on vocals on the B-side) on the Reb label, and on Seneca (S 178-102, USA), “An Angel Is Missing” with “What’d I Say” on the B side (both songs featuring Padavona, by now named “Ronnie Dio”, on vocals).

By 1961, they had changed their name to Ronnie Dio and The Prophets. The Prophets lineup lasted for several years, touring throughout the New York region and playing college fraternity parties, and produced several singles for Atlantic[14] and one album. Some of the single releases (such as “Mr. Misery” recorded for Swan) were labeled as being by Ronnie Dio as a solo artist even if the rest of the Prophets may have contributed to the recording.

Padavona took up the name “Dio” after mafia member Johnny Dio,[15] and first used it professionally at least by 1961, when he added it to the band’s second release on Seneca. Soon after that the band changed their name to Ronnie Dio and the Prophets. The group released several singles during the following years, until 1967.

Ronnie Dio and the Prophets disbanded in 1967, but he and Prophets guitarist Nick Pantas started a new band called the Electric Elves. They shortened their name to Elf in 1969, and eventually went on to become an opening act for Deep Purple while recording three albums.

[edit] Rainbow

Dio’s vocals caught the ear of Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, and when Blackmore left the band, he recruited Dio to Rainbow. Rainbow released its debut as Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow in 1975. Dio recorded two more classic albums (Rising and Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll) and the live album On Stage with Rainbow, but he left the band due to creative differences: Blackmore had wanted to take the band in a more commercial/mainstream direction.

[edit] Black Sabbath

In 1979, after leaving Rainbow, Dio joined Black Sabbath, replacing Ozzy Osbourne. That line-up released the highly successful Heaven and Hell album in 1980, which revitalized the band’s career. They then went on to record Mob Rules with Vinny Appice on drums. Vinny replaced original Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward during the tour for Heaven and Hell due to familial problems at the time. The album proved less successful than its predecessor, but still a hit[citation needed]. In 1982, disagreements over the mixing of Live Evil led to Dio and Appice quitting the band to form the band Dio. In 1992, Dio briefly returned to Black Sabbath to record Dehumanizer. The album was a minor hit, reaching the Top 40 in the United Kingdom, and #44 on the Billboard 200.

[edit] Dio

Main article: Dio (band)

Wanting to continue together as a band, Ronnie James Dio and Vinnie Appice formed Dio, the band, in 1982. On guitar played Vivian Campbell and on bass Jimmy Bain, the latter whom he had known since the old Rainbow days. Their debut album, Holy Diver, included the hit singles, “Rainbow in the Dark” and the title track, “Holy Diver”. As the band changed members over the years, Dio was the only original member. Except a few breaks, Dio, the band, was always touring or recording. They released ten albums, with Master of the Moon being the last one, recorded in 2004. During September 2005, Dio toured Siberia and Russia’s far east, kicking off in Khabarovsk.[16] In 2000, Century Media released Holy Dio: Tribute to Ronnie James Dio, an album featuring a number of covers by mainly power metal bands. The last song he recorded with his band was titled “Electra”.