Release 2015
Ronald James Padavona  (1942-2010)
Started already in the late 50s and was with his sound (till 1966) nearer to DION as to Garage Rock.
With ELF (ex-Elves) , which had a raw blues influenced rock-sound, they released 3 albums  between 1973 and 1975.
Roger Glover and Ian Paice saw them at a live-gig and offered a production deal, Glover produced the 1st album and
the band opened for DEEP PURPLE on their US tour in 1972.
With little changed lineup ELF left the USA and produced again with Glover a 2nd LP in England a 3rd and last album
followed in 1975.
Dio got offered the lead-singer job in Blackmore' s new band Rainbow recording with them till 1978 three studio and one
live album  (incl. Rising) . He left Rainbow to join BLACK SABBATH replacing Ozzy -  with them he recorded the albums :
HEAVEN & HELL; MOB RULES and LIVE EVIL    -   before starting his successful Solo career.


Style-Genre : Heavy-Rock ; Blues-Rock ; Rock ;

see:
Ronnie Dio & The Prophets (US) ;Ronnie with the Red Caps  (US) ; ELF (US) ; Dio ;
Blackmore' s Rainbow (UK) ; Black Sabbath ; Roger Glover ; Deep Purple ; Heaven & Hell ;

Musicians :  (1957-67)
Ronnie Dio & The Prophets  / Ronnie with the Red Caps  :
Ronnie Dio - vocals, bass, trumpet; Jack Musci - sax ;
Nick Pantas, Dick Botoff - guitars;  Tommy Rogers, Gary Driscoll - drums, perc.;

ELF  (The Elves) :    (1968-75)
Dio - vocals, bass; Mickey Lee Soule, Doug Thaler - keyboards ;
Dave Feinstein - guitar; Gary Driscole - drums, perc.;

Producers: Roger Glover & Ian Paice ;

Tracks :
Hoochie Koochie Lady
First Avenue
Never More
Im gonna back for you
Sit down Honey  (Everything will be alright)
Dixie Lee Junction
Love me like a Woman
Gambler Gambler