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Rainbow in the Dark  By  cover art

Rainbow in the Dark

By: Ronnie James Dio, Mick Wall - contributor, Wendy Dio - contributor
Narrated by: Daniel Thomas May
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Publisher's summary

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.

©2021 Niji Entertainment Group Inc. (P)2021 Tantor

What listeners say about Rainbow in the Dark

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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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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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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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A wonderful book as a Ronnie James Dio fan

So many little tidbits that flesh out the mystery behind the man. I absolutely dispise Mick Wall's writing style, but luckely this work seems to stay close to the late RJD's manuscript. It really ended too soon, in the late 80s. I would have enjoyed listening to Dio's reunification with Sabbath towards the end of his career. Still, worth the price of admission. A great story full of insightful observations.

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Three Quarters of a Story

This was a good one! Easy listen. It kept me interested. It only covers his early life to the crescendo of his career.

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