Ronnie James Dio, lead singer of Black Sabbath, Rainbow and Dio, dies [Updated]

Influential heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio, best known for his iconic wailing for Black Sabbath and, before that, Rainbow, has died of stomach cancer. His death was announced via a statement on his website from wife Wendy Dio, which read:

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

[Updated at 2:45 p.m.: Dio's stomach cancer diagnosis became public in late 2009. Earlier this year, the artist announced that a planned European tour with his band Heaven & Hell would have to be canceled due to his declining health. Dio, however, was able to appear in Los Angeles at an early April  metal event sponsored by hard rock magazine Revolver, where he spoke of the challenges of dealing with chemotherapy. 

"I never realized what a difficult thing it was to go through," he said in a video interview with Artisan News. "It's a real cumulative effect -- the more you have, the more it piles up on top and it takes longer and longer to get over it. I find it very difficult to eat. I don't like to eat, anyway, so I guess that's OK. But I know I have to. But this makes it very, very hard. But if you're determined to beat it, then you have to go with what you believe is going to beat it for you."

Dio was born July 10, 1949, according to the Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll, yet there has long been dispute about his age. Fans have long put Dio's true birth date as the summer of 1942, and numerous reports of Dio's death have cited his age as 67.

Dio replaced Ozzy Osbourne as the lead singer of Black Sabbath, who left the band in 1979 after increasingly reckless behavior. Dio's first album with the group, "Heaven & Hell," has been certified platinum by industry trade body the RIAA, putting its total shipments at more than 1 million copies.  Soon after the release of 1981's "Mob Rules," Dio left Black Sabbath to start his own group, Dio.

Dio continued to record with his namesake group into this decade, and more recently had formed Heaven & Hell. The latter was essentially a reunion of the Obsourne-less Black Sabbath, and released the studio effort "The Devil You Know" in 2009. The Rhino album entered the U.S. pop chart at No. 8 after selling 30,000 copies in its first week, according to Nielsen SoundScan.]

The Times will continue to update this post with a more expansive look at one of the godfathers of heavy metal, but, for now, check out the above clip, eight minutes of Dio 101, which illustrates the breadth of Dio's powers. Every metal vocalist who's ever reached for an operatic note owes a debt to the master.

-- Randall Roberts and Todd Martens

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Comments

[David Konow]

Ronnie Dio was one of the greatest singers and frontmen in metal ever, and was always good to his fans. Saw him with the original Dio line-up in 1985 at The Forum, was a great show that kicked my ass, and I loved every minute of it. Would loved to have seen him with Heaven and Hell, but God had other plans. May he rest in peace.

[Dan Eden]

Ronnie James Dio, a true rock n' roll legend, passed away today. He was the singer of Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow and also sang on multiple Black Sabbath albums. I met him a few times and he was always the coolest guy to his fans. He was extremely talented and his voice was respected by his fans and musicians throughout the music industry. I knew his tour manager and she took me to his house to hang with him. We then took a limo with him to House of Blues where he performed - we smoked in the limo cruisin' down the Sunset Strip. After the show we went to the Rainbow Room and I sat next to him and got drunk with one of my idols - it was surreal. He had a reputation for being nice to anyone that approached him, anytime. He was a god of a singer, and one f'ing great guy. Long Live Rock n'Roll. Long Live Ronnie James Dio!

[mr groovy]

Saw the Heaven & hell show 08/12/09 @ The Dodge Theatre in Ph0enix / "It was Awes0Me> people>/ peace & love Ronnie !

[Ricky G Cc Texas]

og Metal Horns to you dio,
cause without that trade wouldnt of been,
rock the heavens,
and keep the DEVIL astray!
R.I.P DIO The God Of Early Metal!

[Jennifer P Feddersen]

This broke my heart. RIP DIO! You'll be forever missed!!!!

My Mom, Sherrie Ann Asay loved you growing up and raised me listening to you.. as I intend to raise my future children.

Your music will live on and on forever.

We all love you and will miss you forever DEARLY.

R.I.P.

[Patrick]

DIO was an absolute LEGEND. Not only did he take Ozzy's place in Black Sabbath - he took Sabbath to another level. Great vocalist and even greater man.

RIP, Ronnie.

[Clay DuBose]

I saw Dio a few times, including his last couple of shows in the L.A. area with Heaven and Hell. I had a chance to meet him at the Roxy back in the 80's after my band had performed. He was gracious. I was always in awe of his power and tone and he influenced me greatly as a vocalist. I told him as such and he thanked me with sincerity. This news brought tears to my eyes but I'm glad that he's not suffering anymore. I wish all the best to Wendy and the rest of his family and friends.

Clay DuBose

[Thomas Chi]

Ronnie James Dio is a legend. The most amazing inspiration. I heard the news on the radio and couldn't believe what I was hearing. I didn't even know he was sick. Dio is a master musician.

Thomas Chi
Screenplay writer
Marilyn Manson Murders; Screenplay

[Andrea]

R.I.P. Ronnie...
I remember the days on your songs to learn ROCK on guitar!!!
GBY

Andrea

[antarez]

A True Musical Genius.Rest In Peace Ronnie!!!!!

[KNI]

Thanks for all the great music Ronnie. May peace be with you.

[Kimmer Moon]

I used to love to hear him sing in the band ELF. I watched him play in a place named Cuba at the Cuba Pavilions before Rainbow, before Dio and before Sabbath. I still have the album. My greatest sympathy for his widow and family. I will miss his unique voice. I will always have the fondest memories of him and his vocals...

[Renato K.]

I will never forget the first time I heard Heaven and Hell, back in school days here in Brazil. Dio was one of my favorite singers and he will always have a special place in my heart.
R.I.P. Ronnie - and all my prayers go to Wendy and his family and friends.

[21BLACK]

Today we mourn, Forever the music of Ronnie James Dio lives. Adeau Ronnie.

[Stone Malone]

Long Live DIO!! I grew up with Ronnie he was an American legend. The LA Times sucks, I think this should be a lead story? Not some dorky teenager who has achieved nothing in the music business. I guess that’s marketing for you there is no integrity anymore. God bless where ever you are my brother.

Stone Malone

[R.J. Smith]

Ronnie James was an incredible singer. He was number two on my personal list, just behind Rob Halford of Judas Priest. When I was younger, people would look at a picture of him and think, "What an ugly little man. How'd he become a singer?". Then, I'd play a track of his, and they'd stand back and say, "THAT is coming out of HIM?!" (Ha Ha) Substance is always better than style!

You will be greatly missed, Ronnie James. May the Gods and Goddesses watch over you and keep your memory alive forever. Blessed Be.

[Dust Devil]

Rock on in Peace Ronnie.

[Justin]

RIP Dio.
You will be sadly missed by ur many fans.
Your music will live forever.

[steve]

"The lover of life's not a sinner
The ending is just a beginner
The closer you get to the meaning
The sooner you'll know that you're dreaming"

Dream On, Ronnie

[William "Stoney" Orndoff]

I'M SURE GONNA MISS YOU RONNIE!YOU ROCKED THIS WORLD! I KNOW YOU'LL ROCK THE NEXT ONE!!!!! YOU ARE "THE MAN ON THE SILVER MOUNTAIN!!!"

[libelle]

Like the man said, "The ending is just the beginning." Be happy for him, that he's no longer in pain on this earth. Only peace and lightness in his spirit remains and a whole new beginning. We were so lucky and will be forever blessed by his talent and the love he had for everyone. He was such a gentle soul. Ronnie, your words and passion touched so many people. Your talent was truly stellar and an inspiration to generations of adoring fans. Your words struck chords in all of us over the years. Safe journey into the next world. You will be missed terribly.

[Dave Ansaldi of Ma]

Devastating loss of Metal's king. I'll miss Dio for the rest of my life. He had that much influence.

God Bless

[Don.]

My very first album was The Last In Line. I was hooked on great lyrics and a passionate voice by RJD. I am happy for his promotion to glory and will continue to ROCK-ON!!!!!!!

[Killaser]

Guys..make sure to make your sons listen to Dio....so even after Generations, the legend won't be forgotten

[aaron oney]

This guy was a jerk, puting negative thoughts in childrens minds such as suicide.I know my best friend and I were singing his words from shoot shoot the night my friend shoot him self in the head. We were huge Deo fans in the 80's. He just suck's, he knew his followers were all children.