RIP Ronnie James Dio, 7/10/42 – 5/16/10

Today Ronnie James Dio, legendary vocalist of Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio, and Heaven and Hell passed away.

I can probably count on one hand the amount of celebrities that mean enough to me to be truly sad about if they died and Ronnie James Dio is one of them. I've been a fan of his music and his message as long as I can remember. 

But for me it isn't just about a couple of songs or throwing the horns. Ronnie James Dio unknowingly got me through some of the hardest times of my life. When I struggled with joblessness and debt and my motivation to create had dwindled to almost nothing, his music helped pull me through. His lifelong dedication to heavy metal inspired me to not let my talents go to waste and to keep pushing even when I was uncomfortable. 

A true legend has passed and I am thankful for everything he's done for me.

RIP, Ronnie James Dio.

-Dusty Peterson