Talk:Ronnie James Dio/Archive 1

Juilliard/Pharmacy education?
I have read in various sources that RJD is a graduate of Juilliard and he received much of his trumpet and vocal training there. I also remember a 1983 interview in Hit Parader magazine around the release of "Holy Diver" that said he earned a pharmacy degree.--MarshallStack 05:20, 28 October 2005 (UTC)

On both points, I've found many sources online placing Ronnie's birth year anywhere from 1937 to 1949. The sources listing a later year tend to say Ronnie dropped out of school to join bands, with the earlier sources typically listing significant formal education (including a pharmacy degree). I really should track down those sources. --Llewdor 00:53, 18 November 2005 (UTC)

Five octave range?
Oh my gosh, I can't believe this article actually says DIO has a FIVE OCTAVE RANGE! LMFAO! Was that a typo? I hope so! He was never a high range vocalist. Power is his strong point. Seriously, his range is more like three octaves at the very most... I don't even think it's possible for a male vocalist to have a five octave range even in falsetto... Except for maybe Adam Lopez in whistle register. Malmsteen Maiden 07:05, 15 December 2005 (UTC)

By what standard does one measure a vocalist's range, unless that one is a voice teacher? Just because RJD does not often use his upper range (with some exceptions on Rainbow's live albums and Black Sabbath's "Live Evil") doesn't mean he doesn't have it. Incidentally, I have heard similar claims made of the ranges of Ian Gillan (Deep Purple/Gillan/Black Sabbath), Geoff Tate (Queensryche), Eric Adams (Manowar), and Pat Benatar, though she is, of course, female (and operatically-trained). Similar assessments could be made of former Zebra vocalist Randy Jackson and Mercyful Fate/King Diamond vocalist King Diamond (though both of those mostly used extreme falsetto).--MarshallStack 05:23, 19 December 2005 (UTC)

If he doesn't record his range to the maximum potential how are we supposed to know he has it? Unless there are recordings to support this outrageous claim that he has five octaves, it should not be on the article. I've never, ever heard of Dio having a five octave range, so if he does have a five octave range, awesome. Oh, and my sort of friend who has been studying singing for the past eight years and has gone on multiple tours told me that Dio has around three octaves. And I have another friend who can do really high falsetto stuff (I swear, this kid is like the next Halford or Dickinson) and is a really competitive singer and also studies singing, and he said Dio having a five octave range is BS. Malmsteen Maiden 15:10, 19 December 2005 (UTC)

I've heard female singers described as having a five-octave range (Whitney Houston's mother springs to mind), but it is quite rare. And while I can imagine it's true of some male singers (particularly of those with an extreme low or high register, like Johnny Cash or Rob Halford, respectively), it has to be extremely uncommon. That said, Ronnie can hit some really high notes. This can be heard in songs like Die Young or Happy. The real question is, can he sing anything terribly low? --Llewdor 20:12, 20 December 2005 (UTC)

And now I get to answer my own question. I've recently come into possession of some very old Dio recordings, and in I Left My Heart in San Francisco recorded by Ronnie & the Prophets, Ronnie struggles to reach some of the lower notes. Ronnie appears to be a solid Tenor, with perhaps a bit of extra range at the top end. --Llewdor 17:08, 21 December 2005 (UTC)

"I Left My Heart In San Francisco" as sung by a very young (how young is anyone's guess) RJD...wow. I have an ancient cassette of Elf's "Trying To Burn The Sun" and that sounded off-the-wall (kind of like southern boogie) to me. Then again, I was introduced to the guy with Black Sabbath's "Heaven And Hell".--MarshallStack 22:27, 24 December 2005 (UTC)

Well, if Dio has a five octave range, then Tate, Dickinson, Halford, and probably Allen must have six plus octaves. Sounds like crazy talk, to me. Malmsteen Maiden 01:07, 22 December 2005 (UTC)

I don't see the point in bitching about it...the guy's a great singer and that's all there is to it as far as I'm concerned. Also, Dio is one of the only vocalists I've ever seen live who can sound as good or better than he does on record - about the only other ones I've seen live who can do that are Geoff Tate and Rob Halford. Later Sabbath vocalist Tony Martin sounded good live, but he also had a cold that night and apologised for it. Ian Gillan sounded horrible when I saw him with Deep Purple in '87. Dio can sing. Good enough for me.--MarshallStack 22:24, 24 December 2005 (UTC)

I'm just pointing out the bogus information in an article that's supposed to be factual. Dio is one of my favorite singers, too. Malmsteen Maiden 03:24, 25 December 2005 (UTC)

You're free to delete it if you don't think it's factual. I didn't put it in as I'm not a singer and my only concept of octaves is along the guitar neck or a keyboard instrument.--MarshallStack 07:08, 27 December 2005 (UTC)

I removed the claim since it is obviously BS. 5½ octaves would span everything from sepulchar sub-contra notes to earsplittingly high shrieks. Even mighty Ivan Rebroff "only" has a range of 4½ octaves. SirWoland 19:20, 22 January 2006 (UTC)

Someone's put it back...--MarshallStack 06:06, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

I do have the highest note I've ever heard Ronnie sing and I'll tell you it's most likely higher than anything Halford, Dickinson or Tate hit. If Interested in hearing it I'll send it too you. Give me your email if you'd like to hear it. --RandyRhoadsRonnieDio


 * The idea of Ronnie having a high octave range is almost out of the question. I've listened to a lot of his work (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio) and must say that he strikes me as being one of the greatest metal singers WITHOUT a wide range. His vocals are actually that powerful, that it sounds like he has a large range, but in reality, he actually doesn't. I can never recall hearing him hit anything higher than a B♭5 (that being falsetto, the highest full voice note being an E5), or anything lower than a D3. Even the notes in "Die Young" only go up to a Bb4, it just sounds higher because of the way he sings it. There are also some relatively high notes at the end of "Catch the Rainbow", but they're hummed in falsetto, so it really doesn't count for that much. If I'm seriously missing something and he actually goes way higher than that or something, someone please tell me, because to me, there's no way in hell Ronnie could possibly have a 5 octave range.
 * If you want to hear someone with a (nearly) 5 octave range, listen to David Lee Roth. I know that sounds surprising, but he seriously has a range from G1-Eb6. I even have the proof to back it up. Listen to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44hMCwGjeEk
 * And for the record, the highest note Halford ever hit was a B5. The highest note Tate ever hit was an A5. Dickinson can only go up to F#5 in full voice, but can go up to B5 in falsetto. I've heard Ronnie hit an A5 in falsetto, but that's it, nothing beyond an E5 in full voice. I can't help but highly doubt that Ronnie's highest note was higher than any of those.
 * --Rock Soldier (talk) 01:45, 12 January 2009 (UTC)

RJD most certainly is not a five octive vocalist. So that should be put completely to rest. A five octive vocal range is extremely rare if not a total myth. He would need to be able to sing the entire Bass range well into Soprano. True Bass vocalists are very rare and Dio certainly does not have that type of low end. My guess from listening to him is he is three octives which is a very well trained vocalist.
 * The issue of "voice type" for non-classical singers is being discussed on the talk page for the musical artist infobox. What it comes down to, every entry describing his voice is an unreferenced point of view, which does not belong in an encyclopedia.  Until a reputable source identifies his voice as "X" the field should be blank. J04n(talk page) 01:55, 22 May 2009 (UTC)


 * Judging by the quality of his voice, I would think that he would have a three octave range as well, but so far, I have yet to hear him sing more than two octaves and a second. I'd be more than willing to believe he can reach more, but that's the extent that I've heard so far. A lot of people jump to the conclusion that he has a range as tremendous as that of Rob Halford or Geoff Tate because he has a voice as strong as one of theirs, but in reality, it is much less.
 * On the contrary, when faced with the notion of someone with less strong of a voice, such as David Lee Roth, having a large range, many people refuse to believe the facts. I've heard so many people deny that Roth has even two octaves of range, when in reality, he has an entire four, and nearly a fifth in falsetto. Another who would likely surprise many is Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, who can reach four octaves, and another octave and a half in falsetto, but simply lacks the power in his voice that one like Ronnie James Dio has.
 * For all those who still believe that Ronnie may in fact have a five octave range, take a listen to Hansi Kürsch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAjFH8fBUgo . This video shows his vocal range of nearly four and a half octaves in full voice. If you can even imagine Ronnie singing this high and/or low, try imagine him singing over half an octave more, because that's what five octaves would mean.
 * --Rock Soldier (talk) 02:03, 22 May 2009 (UTC)

The "voice type" field in the musical artist infobox template is intended for classical vocalists. This position is supported by Voice type and Voice classification in non-classical music. In the rare instance when a reliable source exists to support a voice type for a non-classical vocalist (i.e. Maria Carey) the source must be provided for inclusion in the infobox. It is apparent that some of you that have been discussing this issue on this page are more expert that me in vocal types and ranges, however everything that you are saying is your point of view. I am not saying that your point of view is wrong, I am saying that it is not referenced. Sometimes true isn't enough. I will revert the entry in this field for this page in 48 hours if no references are provided, if you disagree please comment at the talk page for the musical artist infobox. J04n(talk page) 16:43, 23 May 2009 (UTC)

Ronnie James Dio was indeed a Tenor. I do not know his exact range, but he can hit some quite high notes. He had no official training, although he is known to have taken a few lessons privately over the course of his career. His strength/power came from the fact that he began playing trumpet when he was 8 years old, which gave taught him correct breath support, and he listened to his parents Caruso LP's(probably 78's) and attempted to emulate the great Opera tenor

This video, from "The Butterfly Ball" by Roger Glover, is Ronnie James Dio around 1974-1975, and he is clearly a Tenor at this point. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sn1UqbbbqQ )

I've studied voice for many years, and it is true that Dio may have a wider range than he chose to use for performance - but you also have to take into consideration that he smoked cigarettes, and that would definitely not help him maintain an extended range. I was looking for an official answer to " What is Ronnie James Dio's vocal range" online, and I just had to laugh - there are people claiming he has 5 octaves, 8 octaves, all sorts of crazy stuff... As a tenor, he should top out somewhere around a C5 - now, He MAY have been a baritone, because the real difference between a Baritone and a Tenor, is the ability to go lower - not necessarily Higher. Jaime Vendera, the Glass-breaking vocal instructor, was actually classified as a BASS when he was in college, but he has developed well over a 6-octave range. You can essentially go as high as you want to - if you are willing to put in the training time.

And I'm not knocking Ronnie Dio- He and Eric Adams from Manowar are my two favorite singers; they inspired me to take voice lessons so that I could build my voice correctly, as I had always assumed that they had trained vocally.

Feel free to cut out anything that is unneeded, I just wanted to post in here to give you guys some perspective from somebody who has trained in a Bel Canto-based program for many years. (meaning - I was taught the correct methods - but I wasn't performing Arias/Opera pieces - I was singing Metal.)(I can be contacted at jaxman88@yahoo.com) — Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.180.91.158 (talk) 05:56, 29 August 2011 (UTC)

Oh, without a hint of dubiousness, he never possessed anything as magnificent as a five-octave range. His range was actually somewhat impressive though, the highest notes I recall him hitting was an A6 from the London 2005 Holy Diver Live perfromance of Gypsy, and an A5/A6 whistle register note from the Live At Radio City Music Hall 2007 performance of The Mob Rules. His lowest note was a pretty cool G2 from his cover of Alice Cooper's Welcome To My Nightmare. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Jeffrey Rasmussen (talk • contribs) 07:08, 10 October 2014 (UTC)

He could do whitle, though:

http://loudwire.com/10-mesmerizing-high-notes-by-metal-vocalists/ — Preceding unsigned comment added by 83.249.90.160 (talk) 22:33, 24 January 2017 (UTC)

Whistle register?
Why would anyone who has listened to Dio's singing think he belongs in the category of "whistle register" singers?! Very rarely does he go for the higher end of the vocal spectrum, at least not with his recorded work (including live recordings) in Elf, Rainbow, Sabbath and his solo material. I would call "whistle register" vocalists like King Diamond, early Geddy Lee (his voice has dropped quite a bit over the years), Rik Emmett, Geoff Tate, in some cases Ian Gillan ("Child In Time" especially), Freddie Mercury (sometimes), Steve Perry, Rob Halford, Doro Pesch, and probably the ultimate (in my opinion), Randy Jackson from '80s band Zebra (his voice was so high and falsetto I found it grating and unlistenable). I find it very hard to categorise RJD in with these.--MarshallStack 06:06, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

Geoff Tate at this Song

http://www.youtube.com/player.swf?video_id=CoINxEWhYKI&l=279

Estimatewise he has 3.5 Octaves displayed here.

________________________________________________________________________

This is the problem when non-singers begin misapplying a singing term. Whistle register is where the vocal folds adduct (pull tight) to create the smallest aperture, and it literally sounds like a whistle. None of the singers you named ever sang in Whistle register. You know that extremely annoying, high-pitched thing that Mariah Carrey does, where she sounds like a dolphin? THAT is Whistle Register.

Yes, there are some men who can do it but most of them tend to be vocal coaches (Jaime Vendera, Brett Manning, etc.) Rock singers normally are not dedicated enough to their voice to develop it to that extent - AND - to live a lifestyle that will allow them to maintain that type of range. (That means very little grit in your voice, no bad foods, no candy, very little to no alcohol, definitely no smoking - no smoking pot, and no cocaine, and for many, it also requires a vegetarian diet of mostly raw foods because of food allergies to dairy, meat, and grains.) — Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.180.91.158 (talk) 06:08, 29 August 2011 (UTC)

Thumb amputation
Dio did manage to cut off his thumb as there was speculation as if it was true or not. Here is the article http://www.roadrun.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=15570
 * Can you find a more credible source? A site like that could just as easily be an April Fool's joke.  But if you can find a "real" article about it, I'd support the Wikipedia addition. --Elonka 03:29, 2 April 2006 (UTC)

If you look at the date the article was posted it is clearly not an April Fool's joke. The date reads as September 30 2003 so therefor it would highly unlikley that this would have been a joke.

Second marriage
I deleted the sentence about Ronnie and Wendy no longer married. I have not been able to find any information about this anywhere, in print or on the Internet.--MarshallStack 17:44, 1 September 2006 (UTC)

Vandalism
The page needs to be restored with the correct or close as possible correct dates in the last couple of paragraphs.TurtleofXanth 01:48, 3 April 2007 (UTC) I'm going to go ahead and restore it.TurtleofXanth 01:50, 3 April 2007 (UTC)

Band timeline
Is the band timeline really necessary if more or less the same information is listed in the infobox? --Rock Soldier 21:31, 1 November 2007 (UTC)


 * The infobox contains a summary of the most prominent acts he has been involved in, whereas the band timeline section is more complete. – B.hotep u/t• 21:59, 1 November 2007 (UTC)


 * If that's the way it is, shouldn't the years be removed from the infobox to save a bit of room?
 * --Rock Soldier 20:51, 5 November 2007 (UTC)


 * I would say you have a very good point there, sir. – B.hotep u/t• 20:53, 5 November 2007 (UTC)

Deep Purple
I remember someone telling me years ago that Ronnie James Dio had been a member of Deep Purple, but from what I've read, it sounds like he only guested with the band live, rather than had been an official member. Maybe I'd misunderstood what that person had told me, or maybe that person was mistaken. Anyone here an expert on Deep Purple, who could straighten this out? Maybe something about this could be mentioned in the article? Gringo300 (talk) 17:50, 22 November 2008 (UTC)
 * Nope, Dio was never a member of Deep Purple. With Elf, he opened for DP at live shows for a while.  When Ritchie Blackmore left DP in 1975, he brought Elf into the studio as a session band to record Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow.  For the following album, Rising, Blackmore fired everybody except Dio and recruited the first Rainbow lineup.  --  Cubs Fan   (Talk)  22:16, 22 November 2008 (UTC)
 * From what I've heard, the Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow album featured everybody from the final Elf line-up EXCEPT guitarist Steve Edwards. So basically, Ritchie Blackmore replaced Steve Edwards in Elf, and changed the band's name from Elf to Rainbow. The first Elf album (the only one I have, so far) has guitarist David Feinstein instead of Steve Edwards. Gringo300 (talk) 21:39, 24 November 2008 (UTC)

Karate
I removed this sentence: By the time Ronnie got to college age - it was clear he was tip top at Karate. He was short, but that seemed to be no impediment.

Not sure if it is graffiti or not, it certainly appears to be. DFS (talk) 05:16, 8 March 2009 (UTC)

Voice type-copyright violation
I believe that the YouTube references that have been recently added are a WP:COPYVIO and need to be immediately removed. I also believe that the interpretation of them constitute WP:OR. I would appreciate feedback on this so a final consensus can be reached. I similar issue is also occuring at Ozzy Osbourne and Ian Gillan. J04n(talk page) 21:50, 25 September 2009 (UTC)

Merge
I agree that Wendy Dio's article should be merged into Ronnie James Dio. The publicly-available information about her does not appear to meet the guidelines of Notability (people), in order to support an independent article about her. Unless other biographies or accomplishments can be documented, the articles should be merged. --Elonka 06:10, 26 April 2006 (UTC)
 * I agree. Iron C hris |  (talk) 22:06, 13 May 2006 (UTC)

I think I've heard that she was also manager of other bands. :3 Wouldn't that be notable enough? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Muttdog (talk • contribs) 15:53, 28 October 2009 (UTC)
 * If someone can prove she manages or has managed other successful bands / musicians, then she would be eligible for her own article. Lkjhgfdsa 0 (talk) 22:24, 27 November 2009 (UTC)

Age controversy
This controversy is a joke. My uncle went to Cortland High School with him. Class of 1960. They were born in 1942. End of story. John celona 13:54, 12 April 2007 (UTC)

That's absolutely correct. He graduated with my cousin in 1960.

Yeah, well, I went to high school with Ronnie, class of 1967. We were born in 1949. End of story. 76.178.95.219 22:39, 29 May 2007 (UTC)

67? I graduated with him in in 63. Gees he was a funny bloke at school. Abit short though.

Is the age controversy really all that important? It's currently the longest section of Dio's article... seems a little silly to have the most detail on that for such an accomplished singer. I say remove the whole "controversy" thing entirely. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.146.216.193 (talk) 22:07, 8 February 2008 (UTC)

If his date of birth is proven, there is no need to mention in the article any controversy about it, unless he has lied about his age repeatedly, and there does not appear to be any evidence for that. Lkjhgfdsa 0 (talk) 22:28, 27 November 2009 (UTC)

Cancer
You need to read this. I'm presuming it's a reliable source, too. --LordNecronus (talk) 21:40, 25 November 2009 (UTC)

Wendy Dio has been posting updates about his chemo on his official site. :3 Muttdog (talk) 00:32, 14 March 2010 (UTC)

Edit request from FAURA, 16 May 2010
So sorry: Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16, May.--FAURA (talk) 19:10, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

FAURA (talk) 19:10, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

Official death
heres a credible source: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=140129 —Preceding unsigned comment added by 65.29.137.113 (talk) 19:34, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

Edit request from SheaBearden, 16 May 2010
Ronnie James Dio passed away on the morning of May 16 2010 at 7:45am. His wife confirms.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=140129 http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/

SheaBearden (talk) 19:36, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

Edit request from Phantomfears, 16 May 2010
Ronnie Dio died today May 16th at 7:45 a.m.

Phantomfears (talk) 19:38, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

Full source for death
http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/

"Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever." Love, Wendy TraxPlayer —Preceding undated comment added 19:35, 16 May 2010 (UTC).
 * The official site is down due to heavy traffic, but the announcement TraxPlayer just posted is mirrored on his official Facebook fan page. Unfortunately, the "regular" newswires are still posting the hoax story from yesterday, so everything's kind of a muddle re: sources. --Enwilson (talk) 19:40, 16 May 2010 (UTC)
 * Double check: the notice on the website finally came up for me (for a moment, anyway), directed fans to the Facebook page to offer their condolences. This looks like the real deal this time. --Enwilson (talk) 19:44, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

Died 16 May
Heard he died, checked out official site and got confirmation. This is his wife's message that can be read at www.ronnyjamesdio.com or below:

Message from Wendy Dio

Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever.

- Wendy Dio —Preceding unsigned comment added by 88.206.192.131 (talk) 19:41, 16 May 2010 (UTC)
 * After many rumours and counter-words it appears he has passed away, as the official site says so and many news sites are now receiving official word. Horrible news. RIP RJD. Andre666 (talk) 19:48, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

Confirmation from Kerrang also: http://www.kerrang.com/blog/2010/05/ronnie_james_dio_-1942-2010.html
 * Confirmed here --Panzer71 (talk) 19:51, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

Edit request from 24.20.122.119, 16 May 2010
I read this on Facebook & his official website: Same message on both sites.

Message from Wendy Dio Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever.

- Wendy Dio

You can leave your condolences on Facebook

24.20.122.119 (talk) 19:59, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

Dead
Message from Wendy Dio

Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever.

- Wendy Dio —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.118.108.100 (talk) 20:00, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

Officialy died
http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/ —Preceding unsigned comment added by 190.47.186.137 (talk) 20:02, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

It is official, at 7:45 Ronnie James Dio passed away, he lost his battle against the cancer he had. The news has been spreading fast and official confirmation along with a message of his wife is on his official site.

Death
Classic rock FM have just announced Dio has died. Find a citation and update. RIP RJD --86.21.28.116 (talk) 21:18, 5 May 2010 (UTC)

Don't edit it in until you get a reliable source. zzz (talk) 06:04, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

Somebody hurry up with a source on this. Lots of people are waiting. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 173.129.205.203 (talk) 06:20, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

The only thing I'm seeing so far is from Metal As Fuck: http://metalasfuck.net/zine/news/2010/ronnie-james-dio-loses-his-battle-cancer

Not going to comment on the reliability here. Torinir ( Ding my phone   My support calls   E-Support Options  ) 06:24, 16 May 2010 (UTC)
 * That link's not working right now. If it's still broken, try this http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=140129

Metalinsider are the ones who first reported it; currently the site is down (probably because of all the hits) but it's on their twitter. it's also in a couple other places.

http://twitter.com/metalinsider http://www.rockedition.com/news/rip-ronnie-james-dio-passes-away/ http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2010/05/15/breaking-ronnie-james-dio-of-black-sabbath-has-died/

I doubt those are reliable enough. We'll probably have to wait until the morning. zzz (talk) 06:26, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

Confirmed through a VERY reliable source, RJD has passed on. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 184.9.14.164 (talk) 06:37, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

^ Oh yeah? From whom? Cause I just spoke with St. Peter and he told me he hasn't checked in yet. (PowerGamer6 (talk) 06:42, 16 May 2010 (UTC))

Dio did not die, according to http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=140115 --Shardz (talk) 07:02, 16 May 2010 (UTC)
 * I was just about to post this. Note that Blabbermouth.net cites Wendy Dio herself as their source, so...yeah. RHelg80 (talk) 07:04, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

Could an admin add the passing and this reference? -  NeutralHomer •  Talk  • 06:40, 16 May 2010 (UTC) (via this edit)   — Jeff G. ツ 07:06, 16 May 2010 (UTC)
 * Denied. He's not dead. In the future, when requesting an edit, give the exact text you wish to add/change/remove. Thank you. - UtherSRG (talk) 07:14, 16 May 2010 (UTC)
 * I was about to post that link here. We're not a news site, so no need to rush to add massive breaking news like this unless we have verification by a number of reliable news sources. WesleyDodds (talk) 07:55, 16 May 2010 (UTC)
 * If you check his official website, it clearly states he died this morning. Can't get much more reliable than that. Thom Dalladay  (Talk) 20:08, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

Eek. I am the editor who first changed the page - going by two sources (the one on the wire, and the word of an industry friend of Dio's). Now MY edit is itself news! I see that Borivoj Krgin states he spoke with Wendy Dio tonight (blabbermouth), so hopefully we'll all be proven wrong. Best, A Sniper (talk) 07:15, 16 May 2010 (UTC)
 * Don't feel too bad about it, A Sniper: unless you edited before signing in, you weren't the first. That Digital Journal report was a bit unfair in implying that Wikipedia was the primary source of the misinformation. Contains Mild Peril (talk) 14:30, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

Good call on removing the false rumour. Death notices should be verified with credible sources before being published on Wikipedia. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.196.147.219 (talk) 16:48, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/ "Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May." 82.181.198.41 (talk) 19:14, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=140129 Confirmed again. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Martoine (talk • contribs) 19:22, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

He has definitely died, as confirmed by his wife. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Jmcachran (talk • contribs) 19:32, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

He is dead...as reported on his website and confirmed by Wendy Dio herself.

Yes, he is dead, its on his website. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Finch127 (talk • contribs) 19:56, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

He is dead : http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=140129 —Preceding unsigned comment added by Stupka32 (talk • contribs) 19:58, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

Well, someone change it then, it's official now.

Gee, if only the article wasn't locked down maybe someone, "anyone" could edit it to add that he's dead. Thanks admins. Way to keep pace. 71.171.81.51 (talk) 20:15, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

BLABBERMOUTH.NET confirmed death of Dio
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=140129 —Preceding unsigned comment added by Realxsalo (talk • contribs) 20:53, 16 May 2010 (UTC)
 * Yes, and that's what the article says. PrincessofLlyr  royal court 20:59, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

Edit request from 68.38.14.189, 16 May 2010
I've noted that mainstream publications such as E! Online at http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b181252_ronnie_james_dio_dies_67.html seem to be using Wikipedia noting that Dio was in "Testament of Apollo." I cannot ever recall a mention of him in this band, especially since their MySpace indicates they were formed in November 2009, see: http://www.myspace.com/testamentofapollo

The indication that Dio was in this band was only added to Wikipedia on 20:44, 16 May 2010 by 68.60.162.226

Thoughts?

68.38.14.189 (talk) 22:17, 16 May 2010 (UTC)
 * Looks like vandalism, so I reverted the edit. E! Online didn't even bother to check the rest of the article for mention of this "Testament of Apollo" before posting their article. Nufy8 (talk) 22:37, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

Facebook and Twiitter discussion, also with especulative and unoficcialy sources are not encyclopedic
Facebook and Twiitter discussion, also with especulative and unoficcialy sources ARE NOT ENCYCLOPEDIC. The retractive rumors who spread BLABBERMOUTH.NET about the dio health condition are not enough important for the page. Realxsalo (talk) 21:16, 16 May 2010 (UTC)


 * But them quoting Wendy Dio through a phone call is. Gregory House M.D. (talk) 07:10, 17 May 2010 (UTC)

Vocal ability
Hi all,

Is anyone able to add any info citing the technicalities of Dio's voice type, vocal range etc?

I am happy to edit, but is it not locked right now? Anneaholaward (talk) 01:37, 17 May 2010 (UTC)


 * Last I looked, it was semi-protected so most editors are allowed to edit. His vocal range... depends how you count it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvaeHL6KgKQ He had over 3 octaves of singing range, and if you count his speaking voice, screams and one uncontrolled crack that he would never have been able to repeat, his total recorded range actually exceeds 5 octaves! PopMatters described his vocal range as "still ouststanding" in the Heaven and Hell era. http://www.popmatters.com/pm/feature/125706-a-light-in-the-black Contains Mild Peril (talk) 12:42, 17 May 2010 (UTC)

Typos
Corrected a couple of mistypings: his (and his son's) name is "Padovano" and not "Padavona" 151.50.127.2 18:23, 12 August 2006 (UTC)
 * Actually, it is Padavona :, , , etc. Iron C hris |  (talk) 18:57, 12 August 2006 (UTC)

I changed the location where Ronnie's son works as a Meteorologist from Buffalo, NY to Binghamton, NY. Some Googling revealed multiple newspaper articles that quote him and repeatedly mention that he works for the National Weather Service in Binghamton, NY. Zeppelined 19:41, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

Ronald James Padavona is Ronnie's birth name- what the heck is this "Ronaldo Giovanni Padovan" stuff? If somebody feels that his name should be made more "authentically Italian," it's not your call. Dio never called himself "Ronaldo," and his last name is PADAVONA, not Padovan or Paduan! Prove it or change it back, please. (174.88.92.27 (talk) 14:03, 17 May 2010 (UTC))

Hear 'n Aid
RJD was the driving force behind the ambitious Hear 'n Aid project, yet there's barely any mention to it in the whole article. In fact, the article itself is extremely poor in information. After the mourning time for his death passes, there's plenty of work to to here. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.123.141.49 (talk) 21:56, 17 May 2010 (UTC)

"Devil horns"
I think that this article could give more credit to Dio for popularizing the "devil horns" hand sign. He made the gesture into a heavy-metal motif, which symbolizes the culture of metal to this day. Anneaholaward (talk) 01:36, 17 May 2010 (UTC)
 * I think it needs citations. Andrzejbanas (talk) 12:42, 18 May 2010 (UTC)


 * One reference..coming up... MrMarmite (talk) 14:35, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

Kerry Livgren
I have added Dio's guest vocals on former Kansas guitarist/keyboardist Kerry Livgren's 1980 solo album, Seeds Of Change. I believe he did this between his stints with Rainbow and Sabbath. He sang on two songs, "Mask Of The Great Deceiver" and "To Live For The King". I've heard them and they're good, kind of like a cross between Rainbow and Kansas, but not as heavy as Sabbath. Not sure if he wrote the lyrics, though they certainly use some of his trademark imagery. As many know, Livgren is a Christian and the lyrics on the album reflect this. RJD has claimed he didn't know it was a "Christian" album and he was just doing it as a favour to Livgren, who had seen him perform with Rainbow and said "someday I'm going to work with that singer!" This is unlikely, though, and could be just another attempt by RJD to keep people guessing about his beliefs...just as with his age!

It was controversial, though, given that Livgren now performs exclusively Christian-orientated music and some Christians perceive RJD to be "satanic".

I remember reading in "Hit Parader" around the time of Holy Diver that, after leaving Sabbath, RJD had again considered working with Livgren.--MarshallStack 03:31, 13 April 2006 (UTC)

I hate people who find metal satanic. And the same people are all listening to their Sarah Sullivan and Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus. I really REALLY hate all of those musicians. Just because it's not gay and it's heavy doesn't mean that it's evil. Only a handful of his songs have anything to do with religion, and it's mostly the titles that do. In TV Crimes, he does say "Holy Father, Holy Ghost," something else "who pays you most," but that's just because all metal lyrics, and the most of the song has to do with other crap. I really listen to the riffs more, as I play guitar and like to learn them by listening. Metal is NOT satanic. In fact, a local metal band, Stone Crusher (MA band), has a guitarist (my frend's dad) who is athiest, argonistic or some shit. BlackSabbath1996 (talk) 00:39, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

The "horns" gesture
After reading the Wikipedia article, I saw that the band Coven used the horn sign before Dio and the sign was also used by Parliament too. This should be edited to mention that Dio was the first to popularize the horns sign for heavy metal. Coven used the horns sign before Dio but I believe it was more for their own satanic themed music and stage performances. Parliament used the sign to represent the band and their sound, "p-funk." Refer to: http://en.wikipedia.org/Sign_of_the_Horns  Mdaimon (talk) 12:16, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

Regardless of actual dates, I am not sure that Coven comes first because the intent behind the gesture. Dio meant the gesture in a rocker sense and he is the one who popularized it and made it what it is today. Coven used the gesture as a satanic salute to the devil, which is not what Dio was doing.Anneaholaward (talk) 00:33, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Dio made it popular during his concerts with Black Sabbath in the early 1980s. Coven is an idiot, and Dio is cool. No one cares about Coven. BlackSabbath1996 (talk) 00:52, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Time of death correction
My Condolences. Shouldn't the time read as CDT instead of CST given that Daylight Saving is in affect? ZZ 20:57, 16 May 2010 (UTC) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Kalidor (talk • contribs)

Fixed. Pepsi90919 (talk) 23:13, 16 May 2010 (UTC)

Interestingly, the you tube shows he died on 2010-05-19. Furthermore, youtube claims he made his last record "Metal Will Never Die on Monday, 2010-05-17. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.71.197.68 (talk) 01:22, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Born
Ronnie James Dio was born by the name of ""Ronald James Padovana"". I'm new to the editing of pages here. So I'm unsure of how to make that change on the page. Irabostian (talk) 14:33, 21 May 2010 (UTC) Ira Bostian 5/21/2010

Ronnie James Dio was born in 1925!!!And not 1949...1 thing is sure he passed away on may 16th 2010

That's open for some debate, as the article mentions. Ronnie's year of birth is likely known only to Ronnie. Even 1925 seems a bit late given his early work with the Vegas Kings.


 * What? Do you mean that he's 82 years old? Yes, very funny ... I've seen him live with Heaven & Hell supporting Metallica this year, and he didn't seem THAT old. :-D why couldn't he still have been a teenager when he joined the Vegas Kings? In fact, I'd be surprised if he hadn't been playing in his first band before fifteen or sixteen. Christoph.W 13:49, 19 August 2007 (UTC)

I have no idea when he was actually born, but on the interview portion of the Sacred Heart DVD he definitely looks aged. However, I remember an early-1982 Circus magazine story on Black Sabbath when both he and Vinnie Appice were members that said he was 33.--MarshallStack 04:11, 24 October 2005 (UTC)

Its not possible-im from cortland and they have his picture of him graduating in 1960- so you obviously have 2 be wrong. 1949 would be a bit late also but not 1925

If he was 18 at graduation 1942 would logically be his birth year. Could you provide a link to this graduation photo?--MarshallStack 05:20, 28 October 2005 (UTC)

It occurs to me that these stories could all be true. Dio could have dropped out of school to form bands in the '50s (The Vegas Kings are always described as a '50s era band), gone back to school, graduated in 1960, gotten that pharmacy degree, and then jumped back into music in the mid-to-late '60s with the bands that eventually became Elf. That would also explain the dark period in his career following the Vegas Kings. --Llewdor 19:34, 14 December 2005 (UTC)

The April 7, 1978 Connecticut record for his marriage to Wendy V Gaxiola lists his age as 35. Questors 00:21, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

I think that settles it, then. That's an actual official document that pins his birth year at 1942 (which also agrees with his 1960 graduation photo). --Llewdor 22:59, 4 January 2006 (UTC)

Now I've heard that Ronnie was born in 1935 or 1936. He's definitely about 70 years old now, but as far as I know he was a lot older than the guys in Black Sabbath when he joined as the vocalist. He began his career in the 1950s so you can't rule out 30's birth date. If he was born in 1942, that's ok conjecture, but how the fuck he came to have a singing carer in the 50s?

1925 is ridiculous. Going on tour at the age of 81 seems unlikely. I am going to change the year on the main page to 1942. I have found a source that says he started singing as early as 1958 so he would be 16. --supereddy 17:21, 29 March 2007 (GMT)

I live in Japan and was listening to a weekly rock radio program one night a few years back and the dj or guest of that show was a famous Japanese rock journalist called Koh Sakai. They were discusing Ronnie's age, and Koh who is a big Ronnie fan and friend, said that he once saw Ronnie's passport and saw the year 1942 as his year of birth. I don't remember if he secretly looked at his passport or Ronnie let him look at it, but he said for sure it was 1942. I would say a passport is usually 100% accurate. Don't know if he should have shared that over the air but he did. So I would say 1942 is his year of birth NO DOUBT ABOUT IT.

On all music guide it says 1949 so i personally think thats correct but who knows?Zakkman (talk) 05:49, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

It looks like he is in his 40's in the 1980's videos called "Last In Line" and "Holy Diver" —Preceding unsigned comment added by 121.97.179.84 (talk) 22:02, 15 April 2008 (UTC)

In an interview in Metal Hammer magazine (Nov 2004) Dio states that he was born in 1942, which makes perfect sense with his known musical career. I don't know why people are bothering to repeat rumors and guesses. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 64.230.114.253 (talk) 19:08, 2 April 2009 (UTC)

http://www.rockpages.gr/detailspage.aspx?id=3041&type=1&lang=EN&sub=

"Rockpages.gr: Someone asked me the other day about you… He said, Ronnie is sixty eight…

Ronnie James Dio: Seven… Always trying to make me a year older than I am… What a bastard. Tell him he’s a bastard for saying that.

Rockpages.gr: I don’t think he said it in a bad way…

Ronnie James Dio: Well… yeah… but he called me 68, the son of a bitch… Now, [smiling] go ahead.

Rockpages.gr: I think he just did the calculations wrongly… He’s a bad mathematician…

Ronnie James Dio: Yes, he did. Well, we’re all getting older aren’t we? I’ve been doing this all my life, since I was five years old, but… I don’t feel that old. I don’t think I look 67. And I don’t feel it at all. But anyway, the question is?"

Now, it IS a 2009 interview, although I can't place it before or after his birthday. Assuming it is after, it makes his year of birth 1942, which tallies with what we have above. 86.144.19.237 (talk) 16:22, 9 November 2009 (UTC)Al, UK

But there's a claim in finnish wikipedia article that he had said in an interview that Mick Jagger (born 1943) is older than him. How about that?82.141.72.10 (talk) 22:22, 16 May 2010 (UTC)
 * Don't ever trust the Finnish. They're sneaky little bastards. BlackSabbath1996 (talk) 00:24, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Article photo
for God's sake someone please put up a better photo of the man. 70.124.71.6 (talk) 08:58, 19 May 2010 (UTC)
 * I put this one in: it's not perfectly sharp but it's better lit and a bit more recent than the previous. Obviously we're limited to freely licensed material, but there are a few more at Commons from which to choose. Contains Mild Peril (talk) 11:35, 19 May 2010 (UTC)
 * man, yours is still an awful photo. it really doesn't look like him and it's blurry too. the other article photos would actually serve it better. there are so many freely released ('share-alike" photos on flickr that would be better suited. Spinecraft (talk) 12:16, 19 May 2010 (UTC)
 * okay, just followed my own advice and replaced it with a great photo. case closed. Spinecraft (talk) 12:29, 19 May 2010 (UTC)
 * Better. Just to clarify, the previous photo isn't mine: sadly I never saw him live. Contains Mild Peril (talk) 18:16, 19 May 2010 (UTC)


 * Most wikis use this one, and I would prefer it, too. His face there is not covered with a mic, and part of his figure is seen, too, showing his dressing style.Garret Beaumain (talk) 20:54, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Memorial picket
Should this be added to the article? http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=140446 216.59.250.222 (talk) 16:56, 22 May 2010 (UTC)
 * No I don't think it should. Gdje je nestala duša svijeta (talk) 18:59, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Ronaldo Giovanni Padovan
Hi, I'm italian, the correct name is Ronaldo Giovanni Padovan, not Padovana --79.137.23.140 (talk) 21:42, 17 May 2010 (UTC)

Hi, maybe in "Italian" it's Ronaldo Giovanni Padovan, but how do you know what his birth certificate says or how do you know how he registered or spelled his full name? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 110.134.244.230 (talk) 11:01, 18 May 2010 (UTC)
 * He was born in the USA. His name is Ronald James Padavona, until a really BIG source says different.Garret Beaumain (talk) 20:55, 22 May 2010 (UTC)
 * Good point. If I was Russian-American (and not true Russian like Peter Tchaikovsky) I would never use Piotr as the name, but Peter, same as Tchaikovsky did outside Russia. It's just easier business, because you do not have to spell things all the time. I would not doubt that his christening certificate shows "Ronaldo Giovanni...whatever" but he'd have had the right to "anglize" his name a bit to make things easier. Wendy will know :) -andy 92.229.171.205 (talk) 01:20, 16 July 2010 (UTC)

Graham Bonnet edit
I changed the information about Graham Bonnet to note that he is British/Australian. He was born in Lincolnshire, UK but has spent much of his professional career in Australia.

The Story of Ronnie James Dio... By: Paul Daniel Carrier

On: January 10, 1942 in: Portsmouth, New Hampshire Ronald James Padavona was born. Next in: 1946 Ronald started school. Then once he got to high school, he started to play the French horn and the trumpet. After he got out of high school it was close to the year 1957. Once it was the year of 1957 Ronald fornmed a band called “Vegas Kings." Once Ronald got into "Vegas Kings" he changed his name to Ronnie James Dio. He was still performing when he was in his 60's. Once it was May 16, 2010 and Dio was 67, he died. The End...  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.118.231.181 (talk) 11:30, 16 September 2010 (UTC)

Is this "citation needed" necessary?
From the personal life section:

Dio and his first wife, Loretta Berardi (born 1941), adopted a son, Dan.[6]

After divorcing Berardi,[citation needed] he married Wendy Galaxiola (born 1945),

If there's a source that says he was married to one woman, and then another, isn't it a reasonable assumption that he is divorced from his first wife? Unless the cite tag is for another reason I am not getting. Figured I should bring it up. Anoldtreeok (talk) 08:20, 27 September 2010 (UTC)

-- Perhaps the "Citation Needed" is because the phrasing makes an implication about who initiated the divorce? While it's reasonable to assume there was a divorce in between the first legal marriage and the second, we don't know (or at least I don't, and there is no citation here saying) who's idea it was (and I doubt either one of them would want the details dug up anyhow). So perhaps, "Dio and Berandi were divorced, and he later married Wendy Galaxiola..."

Location of death?
the article currently suggests that he died in Houston, TX, where he was receiving chemotherapy on an appointment basis. however, geezer butler's statements about his passing ( http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=140298 ) suggest that he was taken to the hospital on an emergency basis in Santa Barbara, CA. Spinecraft (talk) 12:37, 19 May 2010 (UTC)
 * He died in Santa Barbara, CA —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.80.74.194 (talk) 00:42, 22 May 2010 (UTC)
 * Ronnie James Dio died at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Burbank California. Califrornia Dreamer (talk) 03:13, 23 May 2010 (UTC)
 * Do you have any evidence that he died in California? Jim Michael (talk) 01:35, 8 June 2010 (UTC)

Here are 2 links that state he died in California. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/17/arts/music/17dio.html http://articles.latimes.com/2010/may/17/local/la-me-ronnie-james-dio-20100517 Platinum Maze (talk) 02:43, 9 June 2011 (UTC)

I heard somewhere that this guy is like 4'0 feet
is that true? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 66.154.192.129 (talk • contribs).

Ronnie James Dio is between 5'3" and 5'5"--MarshallStack 05:57, 26 May 2006 (UTC)

I can vouch for him not being abnormally short or a dwarf, I've met him personally. He's just a little taller than my mother, who is 5'3".TurtleofXanth 01:59, 3 April 2007 (UTC)

I read somewhere that he is only 5'4". I'm only 13, and I'm 5'8.5". BlackSabbath1996 (talk) 00:43, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

The man was not abnormally short, did not have any condition resembling dwarfism, and I think the 5'3"-5'5" spread is pretty accurate as we all lose an inch or two as we age. When I met him I was 6'0 and he was less than a head shorter than I for sure. Having heard him warm up a capella without PA amplification with a few verses of Holy Diver at a sound check prior to a performance, one would be hard pressed to not call him a giant in many ways.Batvette (talk) 03:29, 2 January 2012 (UTC)

Singer-songwriter
He does not seem to me to be a signer-songwriter as set out in that article. Also, I would have thought taht mention as a songwriter in the opening implies he had a substantial role writing songs for others. -- Beardo (talk) 06:03, 17 May 2012 (UTC)

Save this Article!
In the name of all that is holy or diver, please fix this article so that it doesn't look like a functionally illiterate office temp transcribing the ramblings of some stoner. Punctuation, half-completed thoughts, horrifically poor wording...this is the most poorly-written article I've seen in a long time. I did some initial clean-up on one section, but now I must sleep. — Kaz (talk) 06:53, 2 December 2012 (UTC)

Move for concensus on deletion of any mention of WBC protests at his funeral
While I know there is technically some grounds to argue its notability, and Wendy's words help to temper it, I still think it's far more appropriate if we could agree that is, to not dignify their group with mention in this article at all. WBC had no notability or significance in the life or story or work of Ronnie, the fact they showed up for a few hours after he was dead shouldn't merit mention in this article. What I'd like to accomplish is establish that editorial consensus is it shouldn't be here and adding it in the future without a change in consensus would be vandalism subject to immediate deletion. I don't know who is watching this article, or if we should go through RFC process or just do it, but I'll wait a week and return and if no objections I'll delete that passage with all due prejudice and a smile. Batvette (talk) 22:25, 8 November 2011 (UTC)

I'm going to disagree with this. They are a notable group, he was a notable guy, it received coverage, and there isn't excessive coverage in the article. Sorry J04n(talk page) 22:56, 8 November 2011 (UTC)

Agreed they are both notable but the idea is that there is no connection between them other than their desire to be distasteful drawing attention to themselves at his service. I mean really, what are they notable for? Pissing people off with their irrelevance, really, and I didn't think it was necessary to cater to them. This is my own opinion of course and I respect and understand yours. If the mention of them is limited to the minimal I guess it's not a big deal and it could be argued my making an issue of it is in itself catering to their attention whoring, so I would of course drop the matter rather than see protracted debate over it. Having met Ronnie and knowing someone who toured with him for several years it just irks me for them to have singled him out of all people. If there's a heaven Ronnie is there, WBC is as wrong as can be. I think we agree the amount of content in the article should be minor, as long as it's not unnecessarily expanded the issue is closed for me. Batvette (talk) 03:10, 2 January 2012 (UTC)


 * Batvette, "we shouldn't reward them for being dicks" is never, ever even a factor that should be considered, much less used for decision-making, on Wikipedia. The protests, however mean, stupid, and pointless, are certainly of note, a piece of information that a reasonable portion of those pulling up this article would find worth learning about, therefore it should stay. We err on the side of inclusion, not censorship — Kaz (talk) 06:57, 2 December 2012 (UTC)

Adding a pic?
I really want to add this picture somewhere, either to the DIO band page or to RJD's page here. I think it's truly a great picture - taken by me from the October 2004 show here in Atlanta, GA at the Masquerade. They basically performed the Sacred Heart DVD; really great show. The picture was taken while they played "Sign of the Southern Cross" which is a Black Sabbath song, I suppose, but the pic shows the "devil horns" which are pretty famous. So anyway, here it is. Beermotor 16:16, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Dio Rocks

That pic is a dead link, but just to add to this. Isn't there a better picture of Dio? This picture is really disrespectful. There must be a free pic of Dio in the 70's or 80's. 69.115.137.151 (talk) 23:44, 4 February 2013 (UTC)

Elf template
The template for the band Elf has been created and I think it should be added next to the other band's templates (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio and Heaven & Hell) in this article.

Template: Elf

--O7VS (talk) 18:31, 4 April 2013 (UTC)

Ronnie's family
I replaced my earlier addendum about Ronnie's adopted son, Dan(ny) Padavona (check out the many Dio fan pages on the Net for information about this) but put it under a separate section along with his current wife/manager, Wendy.

I heard somewhere that Dio is related to Gen Padova (porn actress) somehow.. Correct?

The only "serious" site I could find with that information is The Internet Movie Database All other searches just copied what appears in that page. But the news has probably to do with the intent of the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) to picket Dio's funeral. One of the points these people argue is that Dio was the uncle of the pornographic star Gen Padova and that Dio's real name was Ronnie James Padova. Big mistake. Dio's real name was Ronald James Padavona (not Padova) and he was the ONLY child in an Italian-American family so there is no way he could have a niece. --Doniphan77 (talk) 01:05, 23 May 2010 (UTC) Ronnie had two other children who were not very known at all due to the fact that he asked their mother, Sharon, to keep them out of the "spotlight." Reasons for this may be because both were involved in other relationships. The two children took the last name of their mother's husband. Kay was born in March of 1980 and Ronnie was born in September of 1981. The love affair betwen Dio and Sharon was on and off for about 4 years. Sharon had such anger toward Ronnie that she kept the children at a distance from him. Kay Novy has only recently come forward about her mother's fued with Dio. Her brother, Ronnie, keeps his life private. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 63.237.114.10 (talk) 00:23, 26 May 2014 (UTC)

Attempting to add genres
I have attempted multiple times to add genres to the infobox but my edit keeps getting reverted, despite the fact that I added multiple reliable sources to back up my adding of the genres. I have attempted to add Blues Rock, Boogie Rock, Country Rock and Jazz Rock as genres. I do not understand why I am not able to make a constructive edit to the page without it getting reverted. Would anyone be able to help me add the genres without the edit getting reverted? Thanks you in advance if you can :)

Sources:

http://www.padavona.com/history.html

http://www.allmusic.com/artist/elf-mn0000168993

YLCC23 (talk) 22:00, 3 June 2014 (UTC)YLCC23

How good was Dio as a bassist?
Anyone knows how good was he on the bass? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.155.223.170 (talk) 23:36, 19 January 2015 (UTC)

Tribute albums
Why doesn't the page list Holy Dio: Tribute to Ronnie James Dio album but only does the 2014 Ronnie James Dio - This Is Your Life ? 82.222.181.130 (talk) 08:01, 18 August 2015 (UTC)

External links modified
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 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/20140329052637/http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/metallica-anthrax-killswitch-engage-to-feature-on-dio-tribute-ronnie-james-dio-this-is-your-life to http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/metallica-anthrax-killswitch-engage-to-feature-on-dio-tribute-ronnie-james-dio-this-is-your-life/

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Timeline Graph
The graph in the Timeline, was that inserted after a vote? Was the vote based on actually looking at the graph first, or based on the idea of having a graph? The graph looks cheesy & primitive and it's not easy on the eyes. Holy cow! Can someone please change it or eliminate it altogether? Why do you need a Timeline? How many other bands and singers have a Timeline on their Wiki page, eh? That's more of a fan-site element. As it stands, it visually lets the page down. It cheapens the appearance. It looks like 1995 technology. Ronnie James Dio deserves better than that. SkibbingtonVonSkubber (talk) 20:59, 24 September 2015 (UTC)

Genre: Rockabilly
I am going to add Rockabilly to the genre list, as documented in Dio's NY Times obituary. If anyone objects, now is the time to begin the discussion.

Ref: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/17/arts/music/17dio.html?_r=0 Holzman-Tweed (talk) 15:48, 23 February 2017 (UTC)

Rockabilly genre
I noticed (but has since been removed) that rockabilly was listed as one of Ronnie James Dio's genres but was unable to find anything reputable about him doing rockabilly. Anyone have any info on this?

Jakob9999 (talk) 18:52, 17 April 2017 (UTC)
 * Please see  I literally cited his New York Times obituary.  The New York times is as reputable as reputable gets.  — Preceding unsigned comment added by Holzman-tweed (talk • contribs) 20:21, 17 April 2017 (UTC)

Holzman-Tweed (talk) 19:39, 26 April 2017 (UTC)
 * Sorry for the late reply. I thought you got notified when stuff like this happened but I guess not. I am going to add back in the rockabilly genre but this time put (early bands) next to it so people know that he doesn't do it anymore but did. If anyone has any objections to this, state them now.

External links modified
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Electric Elves-Dio
It's a great write up of the BEST band I had ever heard until college--and the best singer, without doubt. BUT THIS WAS APRIL OR MAY 1969. In about April of 1969, I was in a high school play in a competition at "Cortland State," and to thank all of the high schools, they gave us a "non-alcohol" Party; for enertainnment, they hired, "the best band in the Southerm Tier,'  m senior year intern  they STILL were "The Electric Elves." They were (first was the Byrds, the the New York Rock & Roll Ensemble (my favorite of all time), Chicago Transit Authority (before they changed their name), Country Joe and the Fish, Yes, Delaney and Bonnie, John Sebastion, AND that was just freshman year!  I won't go later, or I would be here (and "hear") all day.  Anywaay, I grew up a bit south of Cortland,and my Dad was a senior HS Histor teacher, and one of his students who went to Princeton, Harvard Law, Oxford, and Penn Grad, now SpromgPresident of a famous American college, called him "the best teacher I ever had."  In the Spring of '69, i  — Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.224.194.226 (talk) 18:08, 20 May 2017 (UTC)

External links modified
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Dio plays guitar
Doug Aldrich, Ronnie James Dio's Guitar Player stated ronnie Played Rhythm Guitar in an interview — Preceding unsigned comment added by Dartman2020 (talk • contribs) 01:49, 24 April 2019 (UTC)
 * And your point is ? -  FlightTime  ( open channel ) 01:55, 24 April 2019 (UTC)

i was going to add it to his instruments but i was following the notes these people keep erasing my content http://assets1.blabbermouth.net/news/doug-aldrich-says-he-has-an-unreleased-ronnie-james-dio-demo-recording-that-nobodys-ever-heard/


 * Well, we have guide lines, like this one Template:Infobox musical artist and I'm "the fucker" thats keeping the infobox within our guidelines. Nobody is saying that he doesn't play guitar, but, Dio is best know as a vocalist, not a guitar player. -  FlightTime  ( open channel ) 02:02, 24 April 2019 (UTC)


 * That's because you're not following the guidelines, even when they are pointed out to you, what do you except ? You can't just show up and run a muck. -  FlightTime  ( open channel ) 03:17, 24 April 2019 (UTC)

Marriages
Public Record Shows: Second Marriage Name:	Ronal J Padavona [Ronald J Padavona]
 * Gender:	Male
 * Race:	White
 * Age:	35
 * Birth Year:	abt 1943
 * Residence Place:	New Canaan, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
 * Marriage Date:	7 Apr 1978
 * Marriage Place:	New Canaan, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
 * Spouse:	Wendy V Gaxiola
 * Notes:	officiator Other Clergyman

Reference: Connecticut. Ancestry.com. Connecticut, Marriage Index, 1959-2012 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2003. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_lDZK3gBrI in this interview wendy dio states that her and ronnie lived in Connecticut. 1st marriage
 * Name:	Ronald Padavona
 * Gender:	Male
 * Marriage Date:	4 May 1963
 * Marriage Place: Cortland, New York, USA
 * Spouse:	Loretta Berardi
 * Certificate Number:	9300

Reference:New York State, Marriage Index, 1881-1967 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2017

Flight Time keeps deleting content based on no reasoning except public index records aren't viable even though they are documents, I did extensive research. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Dartman2020 (talk • contribs) 03:29, 24 April 2019 (UTC)


 * You haven't read anything I've pointed to. Good luck with your agenda. Good bye. -  FlightTime  ( open channel ) 03:32, 24 April 2019 (UTC)

correct dates?
The article says Heaven & Hell canceled their tour on May 4, 2010; Dio's last performance was on August 29, 2009; then Dio died on May 16, 2010. Is the date of the tour cancellation correct - that Dio died only 12 days later? If so, shouldn't the last performance statement go first, then the tour cancellation? Elsquared (talk) 23:34, 6 May 2019 (UTC)

Instruments.
Dio played the bass on many of the pre Elf recordings. He also played trumpet and rhythm guitar. He also played the sythesizers on the holy diver album, . https://www.vintageheavymetal.com/songs/unreleased-dio-recording/ Doug Aldrich Verified this in an interview. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Dartman2020 (talk • contribs) 03:43, 6 September 2020 (UTC)

Wendy divorce
The first reference is a WordPress blog established in 2016, which does not really seem like a reliable source. It also contradicts other, more reliable sources, such as The New York Times and The Guardian, which both refer to Wendy as his wife. And the second reference does not seem to talk about their "unofficial marriage" at all. So, I am removing this paragraph. Kleinpecan (talk) 00:54, 29 June 2021 (UTC)

Instruments
Ronnie was a bassist for elf, and played the syth intros on many of his songs- example Holy Diver- I think this should be added under instuments because he did get accredited on the albums. and ozzy has the harmonica as an instument on his page. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 107.77.201.166 (talk • contribs) 22:38, 16 June 2021 (UTC)

Peter Restey
under Black Sabbath, It is confirmed that Peter Restey, Tony Iommis tech of 27 years was the reason Dio met Iommi. Pete and Dio grew up together in NY. Peter was from Auburn and Dio cortland. Pete lived with them in the mansion that was up the street from the rainbow and worked for Don Arden. Pete also worked for Blackmore prior to Sabbath. He already knew Ronnie. Pete keeps getting forgotten about in all these things. But for sure...it was not "by chance" as the article says. Pete lived with me for many years in NC. He told me himself. He was my best friend. He died a few years back. google peter restey. thanks — Preceding unsigned comment added by SUPERGUITARZILLA (talk • contribs) 02:18, 5 June 2022 (UTC)
 * Needs a reliable source --FMSky (talk) 03:24, 5 June 2022 (UTC)
 * so, if the person that hired pete into sabbath verifies this, how can i verify it to you? screenshot of a conversion? how to supply it to you? SUPERGUITARZILLA (talk) 03:51, 5 June 2022 (UTC)
 * The guideline is at Help:Referencing for beginners. -  FlightTime  ( open channel ) 04:57, 5 June 2022 (UTC)

Padavona/Padovano
Dio’s surname was Padavona. His grandfather was named Tony Padovano, but the spelling was changed to Padavona due to the belief that his American-born children (including Dio’s father) would find it easier. This is common in immigrant families. Ronnie confirmed this in the first chapter of his autobiography.

“My paternal grandfather, Tony Padovano, was a hard, stubborn, and powerful little man. (I’m told the family name was changed to “Padavona” after his children began school and found the spelling somehow easier to deal with, but I’ve never really understood that.)” ~The version that I’m looking at doesn’t have page numbers for some reason, but it should be on the fourth page of chapter 1, “Rock ‘N’ Roll Children”

You can also see the Padavona spelling on his passport https://www.julienslive.com/lot-details/index/catalog/278/lot/106308 and on a postcard addressed to his parents https://www.julienslive.com/lot-details/index/catalog/278/lot/106310?uact=3&aid=278&lid=106307&current_page=2 2600:1017:B82C:A3B:F440:9ED7:2896:3AE3 (talk) 04:03, 14 July 2022 (UTC)

Crooning Years
The section on Dio's crooning years and success is thin and is not even listed as one of his genres. I haven't edited wiki in many years but perhaps a committed fan can fill in. 134.39.67.3 (talk) 22:22, 6 February 2023 (UTC)

Year of Second Marriage
Source for widow's remarriage (https://blabbermouth.net/news/wendy-dio-marries-longtime-boyfriend-in-california) quotes her stating she & Dio were married in 1974 not 1978. 79.69.18.220 (talk) 09:12, 4 March 2023 (UTC) But that then conflicts with date given for her previous divorce. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 79.69.18.220 (talk) 09:15, 4 March 2023 (UTC)

Atlas Shrugged?
"Dio is thanked in the end credits of the 2011 film Atlas Shrugged: Part I, due to his being "one of the people who kept the project alive."[28]"

This attribution links not to any film credits but to a Slate article -- one arguably quizzical and unarguably critical and in any case without primary source. So I'm going to delete the line. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2601:193:8380:4f20:10ad:9523:6f59:dd9e (talk) 08:27, 23 August 2020 (UTC)