Album Information:

About Rainbow:

Rainbow is a British rock band that was formed in 1975 by former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. The band's name is derived from Blackmore's love of vintage American cars. Over the years, Rainbow has seen a variety of different lineups and undergone several changes in musical direction.

Rainbow's early years were marked by a hard-driving, blues-based sound that showcased Blackmore's virtuoso guitar playing. The band's first album, 'Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow,' was released in 1975 and featured vocalist Ronnie James Dio, who would become an iconic figure in heavy metal music. The album's standout tracks included 'Man on the Silver Mountain' and 'Catch the Rainbow.'

After Dio's departure in 1978, Rainbow's sound shifted toward a more commercial, radio-friendly style. The band's most successful period came in the early 1980s, with the release of the albums 'Difficult to Cure,' 'Straight Between the Eyes,' and 'Bent Out of Shape.' During this time, the band's lineup included talented musicians such as singer Joe Lynn Turner and keyboardist Don Airey.

Despite their success, Rainbow was ultimately derailed by Blackmore's mercurial personality, which led to frequent lineup changes and clashes with other band members. Blackmore left the band in 1984 to rejoin Deep Purple, effectively ending Rainbow's career as an ongoing concern.

Despite their relatively brief existence, Rainbow left an indelible mark on the world of rock music. Their signature blend of hard-driving guitar riffs and catchy melodies has inspired countless musicians over the years, and their songs remain beloved by fans to this day. From the soaring vocals of Ronnie James Dio to Ritchie Blackmore's incredible guitar solos, Rainbow remains a testament to the power of rock and roll.

About the album Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow:

Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow is the 1975 debut album of the rock band Rainbow, led by former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. The album features a unique blend of heavy rock, blues-inspired riffs, and classically influenced guitar solos, showcasing Blackmore's virtuosic guitar playing and songwriting.

The album opens with the hard-hitting track 'Man on the Silver Mountain,' featuring Blackmore's signature guitar riff and soaring vocals from lead singer Ronnie James Dio. The song sets the tone for the rest of the album, with its catchy chorus and energetic guitar solo.

The next track, 'Self Portrait,' is a slower, bluesy number that showcases Blackmore's versatility as a guitarist, with tasteful, soulful leads that build to a powerful climax. The ballad 'Catch the Rainbow' follows, highlighting Dio's emotive vocals and the band's ability to create a dramatic, dynamic atmosphere.

The album's title track, 'Rainbow,' is an instrumental masterpiece that features a stunning guitar solo from Blackmore, showcasing his classical training and unique phrasing. This is followed by the hard-driving rocker 'Sixteenth Century Greensleeves,' featuring driving rhythms and a catchy chorus.

The album's second half opens with 'Still I'm Sad,' a haunting, atmospheric track that builds from delicate guitar arpeggios to a heavy, epic climax. The album then picks up with 'Temple of the King,' a melodic, acoustic-based track that showcases Dio's vocal range and Blackmore's ability to create powerful, catchy guitar riffs.

The album's final tracks, 'If You Don't Like Rock 'N' Roll' and 'Tarot Woman,' are both hard-hitting rockers that close the album on a high note, featuring memorable riffs and Dio's powerful vocals.

Overall, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow is a classic album that showcases the incredible talent of its members, particularly Blackmore's virtuosic guitar playing and Dio's powerful vocals. The album's blend of heavy rock and classical influences sets it apart from its contemporaries, and it remains a must-listen for fans of classic rock.

Members:

Rainbow was an English rock band, formed by former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore in 1975. The band experienced several lineup changes throughout its career. Here are the key members of Rainbow along with their biographies:

1. Ritchie Blackmore - Born on April 14, 1945, in Weston-super-Mare, England, Ritchie Blackmore is best known as the guitarist of Deep Purple and Rainbow. Blackmore started playing guitar at the age of 11 and is widely considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time. He formed Rainbow in 1975 and left the band in 1984 to form the more folk-influenced Blackmore's Night.

2. Ronnie James Dio - Born on July 10, 1942, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Ronnie James Dio was an American singer and songwriter. He joined Rainbow in 1975 and recorded several albums with the band before leaving in 1979 to join Black Sabbath. Dio returned to Rainbow in 1981 and recorded two more albums before leaving again in 1982 to form Dio.

3. Cozy Powell - Born on December 29, 1947, in Cirencester, England, Cozy Powell was a drummer who played with several notable bands including Jeff Beck Group, Whitesnake, and Black Sabbath. Powell joined Rainbow in 1975 and played on several of the band's most popular albums before leaving in 1980 to pursue a solo career. Powell died in a car accident in 1998.

4. Graham Bonnet - Born on December 23, 1947, in Skegness, England, Graham Bonnet is a singer known for his work with Rainbow, as well as Alcatrazz and Michael Schenker Group. Bonnet joined Rainbow in 1979 and recorded the album 'Down to Earth' with the band, which included the hit single 'Since You've Been Gone.' Bonnet left the band in 1980.

5. Joe Lynn Turner - Born on August 2, 1951, in Hackensack, New Jersey, Joe Lynn Turner is an American singer and songwriter. He joined Rainbow in 1980 and recorded several albums with the band before leaving in 1984 to pursue a solo career. Turner has also worked with Deep Purple and Yngwie Malmsteen.

6. Don Airey - Born on June 21, 1948, in Sunderland, England, Don Airey is a keyboardist known for his work with Rainbow, as well as Deep Purple and Ozzy Osbourne. Airey joined Rainbow in 1979 and played on several of the band's most popular albums. He left the band in 1981 and later joined Deep Purple.

Track List for Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow:

1. 'Man on the Silver Mountain' (4:42) - This is the opening track of the album and a fan-favorite. It features Ritchie Blackmore's signature guitar riffs and Ronnie James Dio's powerful vocals. The song is about a man who is a free spirit and rides the silver mountain.

2. 'Self Portrait' (3:17) - This track has a more subdued tempo and features Dio's softer vocals. The lyrics are introspective, and the song is about self-reflection and soul-searching.

3. 'Black Sheep of the Family' (3:22) - This song was originally composed by Steve Hammond and performed by his band Quatermass. Rainbow's version is a cover that features Blackmore's distinct guitar riffs and Dio's vocals, making it more hard rock than the original.

4. 'Catch the Rainbow' (6:39) - This is one of the album's longer tracks, and it showcases Blackmore's guitar skills in a slow, melodic riff that builds up as the song progresses. Dio's vocals are mournful and reflective, and the lyrics describe the beauty of a rainbow and the elusive nature of happiness.

5. 'Snake Charmer' (4:33) - This track has a Middle Eastern flavor and features Blackmore's guitar taking on the role of a snake charmer's flute. Dio's vocals are hypnotic, and the lyrics describe the power of a snake charmer to enchant his audience.

6. 'The Temple of the King' (4:44) - This song has a ballad-like tempo and features Dio's emotional vocals. The lyrics are poetic and describe the beauty and majesty of a king's temple and the longing for peace.

7. 'If You Don't Like Rock n' Roll' (2:35) - This is a short, upbeat track that features a catchy riff and Dio's cheeky vocals. The lyrics are playful and describe the joy of listening to rock and roll music.

8. 'Sixteenth Century Greensleeves' (3:31) - This track has a folk-like melody and features Dio's soaring vocals. The lyrics describe an enchanting woman wearing greensleeves and the magic of the sixteenth century.

9. 'Still I'm Sad' (3:51) - This is another cover song, originally performed by The Yardbirds. Rainbow's version features Blackmore's guitar taking center stage with a haunting melody, while Dio's vocals are filled with melancholy. The lyrics describe the feeling of sadness even when surrounded by beautiful things.

Overall, the album 'Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow' is a classic heavy metal album that features Ritchie Blackmore's signature guitar riffs and Ronnie James Dio's powerful vocals. The tracks explore a range of emotions and themes, from introspection and self-reflection to mystical and folklore-inspired tales.

Discography for Rainbow:

Sure, here is a complete discography for Rainbow in chronological order:

Albums:
1. Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow (1975)
2. Rising (1976)
3. Long Live Rock 'n' Roll (1978)
4. Down to Earth (1979)
5. Difficult to Cure (1981)
6. Straight Between the Eyes (1982)
7. Bent Out of Shape (1983)
8. Stranger in Us All (1995)

Singles:
1. 'Man on the Silver Mountain' (1975)
2. 'Sixteenth Century Greensleeves' (1975)
3. 'Starstruck' (1976)
4. 'Kill the King' (1978)
5. 'Long Live Rock 'n' Roll' (1978)
6. 'L.A. Connection' (1979)
7. 'Since You Been Gone' (1979)
8. 'All Night Long' (1980)
9. 'I Surrender' (1981)
10. 'Can't Happen Here' (1981)
11. 'Stone Cold' (1982)
12. 'Power' (1982)
13. 'Street of Dreams' (1983)
14. 'Jealous Lover' (1985)

Other releases:
1. 'Live in Germany 1976' (2006)
2. 'Live in Munich 1977' (2006)
3. 'Live in Japan 1984' (1994)
4. 'Finyl Vinyl' (1986)
5. 'The Very Best of Rainbow' (1997)

Note: This list includes only official releases and does not include various bootlegs and unreleased tracks.