15 Best Hard Rock Singers Of All Time
2. Ronnie James Dio - Rainbow/Black Sabbath/Dio
Ronnie James Dio was a man with deceptive musical power. One wouldn't expect too much sonic muscle to come out of a man who looked as he did, with his frail body and meager stature. Once he opened his mouth though, the world was graced with one of the greatest voices in rock history.
Originally starting in the hard rock outfit Elf, it wasn't long before Dio caught the eye of guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, who quickly drafted him for his new outfit Rainbow. From there, Dio proceeded to stomp out his competition, with songs that reached for the tops of the vocal range. With songs having to do with medieval times and dramatic feats of heroism, it made too much sense for Ronnie to deliver these tales of grandeur.
After his time in Rainbow came to an end, Dio had the pleasure of filling the shoes of Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath. Though staunch Ozzy defenders pelted the band, no one could argue with how much sonic depth Ronnie's voice brought to the Sabbath's sound. Even in his solo career, songs like "Rainbow in the Dark" and "Stand Up and Shout" remain some of the most epic rock tracks to ever have been recorded. Ronnie may not be with us anymore, but if there's anyone who has earned the title of Hard Rock Immortal, it's surely him.