Decibel Geek Podcast

We celebrate the holidays this week by releasing volume 1 of a 2 part special on a legend; DIO-CEMBER Vol1 is here! In this special, we pay tribute to the late, great Ronnie James Dio. This week's entry has us focusing on Ronnie's first decade in the rock world 1972-1981. Ronald Padavona was born in New Hampshire in 1942. His family would soon move to New York where he would be raised around music. Beginning at the age of 5, Ronnie was a born-performer. Stints playing trumpet and bass would lead the way to Ronnie fronting bands. After changing his name to Dio around 1960, his first real step in the world of rock would be taken in 1972. ELF's self-titled debut album features Ronnie and childhood friends performing while Deep Purple legends Roger Glover and Ian Paice produced. This would lead to extended touring opening for Purple and, eventually, the formation of Richie Blackmore's Rainbow. DIO-CEMBER Vol1 Rainbow's history is well-covered but, in short, the Dio-led version of the band is legendary in its