Category: Central New York Musicians

There are some people who don’t need long, drawn out introductions. Benny Mardones is one of them. The people of Syracuse and Central New York know who Benny Mardones is. He is the only artist of the 1980’s to have made the Top 20 twice with the same record — “Into the Night”. Originally a hit in 1981, it was back on the charts in 1989 after being re-discovered by radio stations across the country. In the early 1980’s, the rock press referred to Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, and Benny…

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Ronnie James Dio is no stranger to Central New York. Raised in nearby Cortland, N.Y. Ronnie was lead singer for “Elf,” a band that enjoyed considerable success in the U.S. as well as Europe. Ronnie then joined forces with guitarist Ritchie Blackmore to form “Blackmore’s Rainbow.” After that stint, he went on to “Black Sabbath.” Today Ronnie James Dio is on his own. He’s released a new album “Holy Diver” (Warner Bros. Records) and is touring the world in support of that album. We spoke with a local boy who…

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