Ronnie James Dio, born Ronald James Padavona on July 10, 1942, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was an iconic American heavy metal singer and songwriter. Known for his powerful and versatile vocal range, Dio became one of the most influential figures in heavy metal music. He began his musical journey in 1957 with the band Vegas Kings, later known as Ronnie and the Rumblers, and subsequently formed the rock band Elf in 1967.

Dio's career took a significant turn when he joined Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore to form Rainbow in 1975, releasing three studio albums that solidified his reputation as a leading vocalist in heavy rock. In 1979, he replaced Ozzy Osbourne as the lead singer of Black Sabbath, contributing to three successful albums: "Heaven & Hell," "Mob Rules," and "Dehumanizer."

In 1982, Dio left Black Sabbath to form his own band, Dio, achieving platinum status with two albums. He later reunited with his former Black Sabbath bandmates to form Heaven & Hell in 2006. Dio was also known for popularizing the "devil horns" hand gesture in metal culture, a symbol he adopted from his Italian grandmother.

Throughout his career, Dio was recognized with numerous accolades, including the "Metal Guru Award" by Classic Rock Magazine in 2006 and the "Best Metal Singer" at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards in 2010. He was inducted into the Cortland City Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Rock Walk, and a street in Cortland was named "Dio Way" in his honor.

Dio's legacy extends beyond his music; he organized the Hear 'n Aid project in 1985 to raise funds for famine relief in Africa, showcasing his compassion and commitment to humanitarian causes. Despite being diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2009, Dio continued to inspire with his music until his death on May 16, 2010, in Houston, Texas. His influence remains profound in the heavy metal community, with tributes such as a bronze statue in Kavarna, Bulgaria, and a stage named after him at the Bloodstock Open Air Festival.