Ronnie James Dio, known simply as Dio, was a towering figure in the realms of heavy metal and hard rock, whose career spanned over five decades. Born Ronald James Padavona on July 10, 1942, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, he adopted his stage name inspired by mafia member Johnny Dio. Before embarking on a solo career, Dio made significant contributions to the music world as part of bands like Elf, Rainbow, and Black Sabbath. It was in 1982, however, when he established the band Dio, marking the beginning of an era that would etch his name into heavy metal history.

Dio's voice, characterized by its powerful, operatic quality, became a defining element of the genre. The band Dio released its first album, "Holy Diver," in 1983, which featured now-iconic tracks such as the title track "Holy Diver" and "Rainbow in the Dark." This album, along with others like "The Last in Line" (1984) and "Sacred Heart" (1985), helped cement Dio's legacy as a master storyteller, capable of weaving tales of mysticism, fantasy, and rock 'n' roll rebellion. Ronnie James Dio's contributions to music were not just limited to his vocal prowess and frontmanship but also included popularizing the "devil horns" hand gesture in rock music, a symbol that has become synonymous with the genre itself. Despite his passing on May 16, 2010, Dio’s music continues to inspire and energize fans old and new, with live recordings and remasters, such as those from Donington performances and the 2022 remasters and remixes of "Holy Diver," keeping his legendary status alive in the world of rock and metal.

Genres

Album Rock

Alternative Metal

Glam Metal

Hard Rock

Metal

Rock

Related Artists

Black Sabbath

Ozzy Osbourne

Judas Priest

Rainbow

Iron Maiden

Scorpions

Whitesnake

Accept

Deep Purple

Motörhead

Metallica

Def Leppard

Latest Release

Dio At Donington '87 (Live)

Dio

Album - 13 Tracks - Released September 23, 2022