Performance · Production

Ronnie James Dio

real name Ronald James Padavona

Ronnie James Dio is credited on 2,615 releases across 474 albums tracked on Gatefold, active 1963–2026 — the collector-built map of who actually made the music.

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Photo of Ronnie James Dio

2,615

Credits

474

Albums

7

Decades active

801

In collections

Biography

source

Showing the Discogs bio

Born as Ronald James Padavona in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on July 10th 1942. Ronnie adopted the surname "Dio" sometime in the early '60s, taking inspiration from mobster Johnny Dio. He is known for his fantasy-based lyrics and "sword and sorcery" image. His career stretched back to the mid '50s when he performed and recorded with local rockabilly, doo wop, and rock and roll groups in his native upstate New York. Known for fronting the bands Elf, Rainbow and joining Black Sabbath as their new vocalist in 1979. Dio later departed the group, forming his own band, Dio with Sabbath drummer Vinny Appice.
In late 2009, Ronnie was diagnosed with stomach cancer, and passed away in Houston, Texas, due to complications from this disease on May 16th, 2010.
He was married to Wendy Dio who also was his manager.

Bio from Discogs

Credited work

2,615 releases · 474 albums · active 1963–2026

  • Performance · 6,609
  • Production · 631
  • Other credits · 372
  • Engineering · 16

Studios: Musicland Studios · Record Plant, Los Angeles · Criteria Recording Studios · Studios Ferber

Discography

Records they worked on — most-collected first.

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