Ronnie James Dio often guested on my radio program. We would talk sports. Ronnie was a big fan of the New York Yankees and New York Giants. He spoke expertly about baseball.
We would also talk music. We had to. Ronnie was the Mario Lanza of hard rock, one of the greatest pure voices ever, and a master of lyrical imagery. Ronnie made incredible records with Rainbow, Black Sabbath and his own band, Dio. He was peerless on stage. Ronnie connected. #HornsUp
Ronnie passed in 2010 but, in reflection of his tireless nature, his work wasn’t yet done.
Ronnie started (and nearly completed) an autobiography before he died. Now that tome has been finished by his widow, Wendy, and veteran music scribe Mick Wall. (Wendy also served as Ronnie's manager.) “Rainbow in the Dark” just got released, and early reviews are tremendous.
It was an incomparable career. It’s a story that needs told.
Wendy Dio joins me on today’s program at 530 p.m. to talk about the book and discuss the life and times of Ronnie James Dio.
Black Sabbath’s two best albums were with Ronnie: “Heaven and Hell” and “Mob Rules.” Blasphemy? Nah. Just listen. (No offense to Ozzy.)
Witness a few samples of Ronnie’s brilliance below:
Thumbnail via Getty Images