Rainbow in the Dark Audiobook By Ronnie James Dio, Mick Wall - contributor, Wendy Dio - contributor cover art

Rainbow in the Dark

The Autobiography

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Rainbow in the Dark

By: Ronnie James Dio, Mick Wall - contributor, Wendy Dio - contributor
Narrated by: Daniel Thomas May
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About this listen

Prior to his tragic death in 2010, Ronnie James Dio had been writing his autobiography, looking back on the remarkable life that led him from his hometown in Upstate New York to the biggest stages in the world, including the arena that represented the pinnacle of success to him - Madison Square Garden, where this book begins and ends.

As Ronnie contemplates the achievement of a dream, he reflects on the key aspects that coalesced into this moment - the close gang of friends that gave him his start in music, playing parties, bars, frats, and clubs; the sudden transition that moved him to the microphone and changed his life forever; the luck that led to the birth of Rainbow and a productive but difficult collaboration with Ritchie Blackmore; the chance meeting that made him the second singer of Black Sabbath, taking them to new levels of success; the surprisingly tender story behind the birth of the Devil Horns, the lasting symbol of heavy metal; his marriage to Wendy, which stabilized his life, and the huge bet they placed together to launch the most successful endeavor of his career...his own band, Dio.

Everything is described in great detail and in the frankest terms, from his fallout with Blackmore, to the drugs that derailed the resurrection of Black Sabbath, to the personality clashes that frayed each band.

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What listeners say about Rainbow in the Dark

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Engaging Life Story Insightful Backstories Magnificent Narration Detailed Musical Journey Candid Storytelling
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Absolutely Awesom!

Great rock book. I just wish it was longer. It was great to hear stories of Ronnie's beginnings!

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One of the 3 voices that will share the crown:

Dio, Gillan. Coverdale. If you are a fan of classical music, there will be still room for other versions of art. The best voices of hard rock/ metal are the 3 listed above. Therefore it was worth it listening to Dio personal life. Glad he was a good, kind, intelligent man. He’s voice will live on…

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enjoyed more and more as I continued to listen

I saw dio around 20 years ago in a small venue. the guy put on 4 encores..... and probably would have continue to play if not for the curfew enforced by our city. will always remember that show because no other live act I have ever seen has ever showed that kind of gratitude towards there fans like him. when I saw this book I took a chance and gave it a listen. was a bit of a slow burn at first, but as it continued I found myself really enjoying it. good to hear his side of things when it came to his solo career. seen so many interviews of Vivian complaining about how he got screwed. now that I finished this book..... gonna crank up mob rules and enjoy the rest of my day.

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Dio rocks and is missed

Dio's autobiography is well written and narrated. Filled with a vibrant history, I was highly entertained. I hope the estate continues his tails as this books ends at 1986. Dio leaves us hungry for more.

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Inspirational

I am struggling musician and songwriter Frank Porter and am also originally from upstate New York. So for me this was hitting close to home and I felt I was rooting for a family member almost.

His drive and determination are truly amazing and his attention to details is something I can relate to in my own music career. His talents are many and I believe that even if you aren’t a fan of his music you can appreciate his story.

This book also provides some valuable insight into the business of music. Rest In Peace Mr. Dio. I grieve for Wendy and all of the friends, family, and fans for our loss. I wish I could have attended one of the Dio shows. And I will be checking out every song Ronnie James Dio ever worked on that I can get my hands on!

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Stories

Great autobiography story telling of Ronnie James Dio & Wife. Story teller change of voice pitch between Ronnie & Wendy is fun too!

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great

really sad how did became a singer shows how he started in the music business really shocking

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Want a sequel

Up to the end, where audio tells you in the beginning at what point it’ll end it’s a fantastic read. The bio doesn’t include his bout with cancer but I assume he write about it because he slides to a sequel. It’s at its heart about determination and a great peek behind the curtain. I want a Dio fan but this book was a great read for music fans.

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I feel like I know him much better

A great book, I as a fan learned so much about Ronnie I didn't know. it's as if he were saying here is my life, enjoy. if your a fan of Dio you need to read or listen to this book. a great work.

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Great book ! Too Short!!

It is an easily digestible book on the life of a rock singer . However just wish it was longer . Also a little short on detail. Love RJD !!!! RIP!!!!

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