Ritchie Blackmore is a legendary guitarist who is best known for his work with the bands Deep Purple and Rainbow. Born in England in 1945, Blackmore began playing guitar at an early age and quickly developed a reputation as a skilled and innovative musician.

In 1968, Blackmore co-founded Deep Purple, a pioneering heavy metal band that helped to define the genre with its powerful, guitar-driven sound. With Blackmore on lead guitar, Deep Purple released a string of classic albums throughout the 1970s, including "Deep Purple in Rock", "Machine Head", and "Burn".

In 1975, Blackmore left Deep Purple to form his own band, Rainbow. With Rainbow, Blackmore explored a more melodic, hard rock sound that incorporated elements of classical music and medieval folk music. Rainbow's early albums, such as "Rising" and "Long Live Rock 'n' Roll", are considered classics of the hard rock genre.

Throughout his career, Blackmore has been praised for his virtuosic guitar playing and his innovative use of the instrument. He has been cited as a major influence by countless guitarists and his impact on the development of heavy metal and hard rock music is undeniable.

Although he has retired from touring, Blackmore continues to make music and remains an icon of the rock and metal worlds.

Born April 14, 1945, Weston-super-Mare, England. -GSH

• Ritchie Blackmore - guitar
• Ronnie James Dio - vocals
• Mickey Lee Soule - keyboards
• Craig Gruber - bass
• Gary Driscoll - drums

1. "Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow" (1975)

• Ritchie Blackmore - guitar
• Ronnie James Dio - vocals
• Jim Bain - bass
• Tony Carey - keyboards - b. October 16, 1953.
• Cozy Powell - drums - b. December 29, 1947, Cirencester, England; d. April 5, 1998 - formerly with The Sorcerers and The Jeff Beck Group.

1. "Rainbow Rising" (1976)

• Ritchie Blackmore - guitar
• Ronnie James Dio - vocals
• Cozy Powell - drums
• Bob Daisley - bass
• David Stone - keyboards

1. "Onstage" (1977)
2. "Long Live Rock 'n' Roll" (1978)
3. "Live in Europe" (2-CDs) (1996)

• Ritchie Blackmore - guitar
• Cozy Powell - drums
• Roger Glover - bass - b. November 30, 1945, Brecon, South Wales - formerly with Deep Purple.
• Don Airey - keyboards
• Graham Bonnet - vocals

1. "Down to Earth" (1979)

• Ritchie Blackmore - guitar
• Roger Glover - bass
• Don Airey - keyboards
• Joe Lynn Turner - vocals
• Bob Rondinelli - drums

1. "Difficult to Cure" (1981)

• Ritchie Blackmore - guitar
• Roger Glover - bass
• Joe Lynn Turner - vocals
• Bob Rondinelli - drums
• Dave Rosenthal - keyboards

1. "Jealous Lover" (1981)
2. "Straight Between the Eyes" (1982)
3. "Bent Out of Shape" (1983)

• Ritchie Blackmore - guitar
• Roger Glover - bass
• Joe Lynn Turner - vocals
• Dave Rosenthal - keyboards
• Chuck Burgi - drums

1. "Final Vinyl" (1986)

1. "Very Best of Rainbow" (1997)

1. "Shadow of the Moon" (1997) (Blackmore's Night)
2. "The Take It Sessions: '63 - '68" (1998)
3. "Stranger In Us All" (1998) (Rainbow)
4. "Under a Violet Moon" (1999) (Blackmore's Night)

• The Ritchie Blackmore Official Web Site
• Ritchie Blackmore News & Rumours Page