Today in Rock History
May 16, 2010
Ronnie James Dio, singer for Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and his own band Dio, passed away at 67 after a six-month battle with stomach cancer. His career began in 1957 with The Vegas Kings, evolving through several name changes before becoming Elf in 1967. Opening for Deep Purple led to Dio’s collaboration with Ritchie Blackmore in Rainbow, launching him to rock legend status. Dio’s final public appearance was at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards on April 8, 2010, where he received the Ronnie James Dio Lifetime Achievement Award. His influence on heavy metal and power metal remains immense, with “Dio” still symbolizing one of the genre’s most iconic voices.