Ronnie James Dio


This week rock and roll singer Ronnie James Dio died. Dio was a monster of rock in the mid 80's. But he really was doing great work well before that. His death brought back memories of a time for me 30 years ago.

I had just moved to Phoenix to start my Sophomore year in high school. Once classes started I met Ken, he would be my best friend for the short 2 years I would be there. Ken had previously lived in Japan where his Dad was stationed. While there he had gotten into a band that was very popular in Japan at the time. This was Rainbow.

That same year we also befriended another Air Force transplant. Dennis had moved to Phoenix for just his senior year. That is a tough situation to be in. But being Air Force brats ourselves we all fell in well together. Dennis had actually joined the Air Force. As soon as he graduated he was going straight to England. Ken and I envied that Dennis could 'get out'.

But for that year we spent many hours hanging out just listening to Rainbow blaring at ear shattering levels. We just could not understand how this band was not more popular. The lead singer was captivating and Ritchie Blackmore's guitar was well established from his days as a founder of Deep Purple.

As it turns out, the lead singer was Ronnie James Dio. Dio would go on to repace Ozzy as Black Sabbath's lead singer and then form his own band, Dio. His popularity soared in the 80s as everyone discovered what we had been listening to hanging out in Dennis' bedroom.

As with all things, Dennis, Ken and I all moved on. I hadn't thought of Dennis in 30 years. Ronnie's death triggered memories of that time. So on a whim I searched for Dennis on FB and sure enough, there he was. His response to me after accepting the friendship request was asking if I had heard about Ronnie James Dio's death. Like me, Dennis said that triggered those same memories of He, Ken and I.