Ronnie James Dio (1942-2010) was an American rock singer and songwriter who had a highly influential career in the world of heavy metal. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most iconic vocalists in the history of the genre.

Dio began his career in the late 1950s as a doo-wop singer in a band called Ronnie and the Red Caps, but he later became well-known as the lead singer of several iconic metal bands. He joined the pioneering heavy metal band Rainbow in the mid-1970s, where he recorded several classic albums, including "Rising" and "Long Live Rock 'n' Roll".

Dio later replaced Ozzy Osbourne as the lead vocalist for Black Sabbath, where he recorded several highly influential albums, including "Heaven and Hell" and "Mob Rules". Dio also formed his own band, simply called Dio, in the 1980s, and he continued to release successful albums and tour extensively throughout his career.

Dio is known for his powerful and distinctive vocal style, as well as his ability to write lyrics that are both epic and highly personal. He is often credited with popularizing the "devil horns" hand gesture that has become a trademark of heavy metal culture.

Dio was highly respected and beloved by his fans, peers, and collaborators, and he left a lasting legacy in the world of heavy metal. He died in 2010 at the age of 67 from stomach cancer, but his music continues to inspire and influence generations of metal fans and musicians.

• The Vegas Kings (1957 - 1958)
• The Rumblers (1958 - 1959)
• The Red Caps (1959 - 1962)
• The Prophets (1962 - 1968)
• The Electric Elves (1968 - 1969)
• The Elves (1969 - 1972)
• Elf (1972 - 1975)
• Rainbow (1975 - 1978)
• Black Sabbath (1979 - 1982)
• Dio (1982 - 1991)
• Black Sabbath (1991 - 1992)
• Dio (1992 - 2009)
• Heaven & Hell (2007 - 2009)

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