Ronnie James Dio

Singer had been going through chemo and was unsure if he'd be up to the task.

He may never have fronted Black Sabbath if British glam band voted him in.

He praised his replacement but said leaving the band was "just like getting divorced."

Twice as nice for the metal icon!

The band featured an array of singers during its decades of touring.

Look out!

This LP's title could very well have referenced his lengthy wait for solo stardom.

What never changed was that distinctive voice, a singular instrument whose range and power were obvious from the first.