The Rock legend Ritchie Blackmore celebrates 80 today
In 1968, he co-founded Deep Purple, serving as the lead guitarist and contributing to the band’s signature hard rock sound. His work with Deep Purple produced iconic tracks like “Smoke on the Water” and “Highway Star”
The Rock legend Ritchie Blackmore celebrates 80 today
Richard Hugh Blackmore was born on April 14, 1945, in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, England. He moved with his family to Heston, Middlesex, at the age of two. At eleven, his father gave him his first guitar, encouraging him to take classical lessons, which laid the foundation for his distinctive blend of classical and rock guitar styles. Blackmore left school at fifteen and worked as an apprentice radio mechanic while taking electric guitar lessons from session musician Big Jim Sullivan.
In the early 1960s, Blackmore began his professional music career as a session guitarist, playing with bands like The Outlaws and backing artists such as Screaming Lord Sutch and Neil Christian. In 1968, he co-founded Deep Purple, serving as the lead guitarist and contributing to the band’s signature hard rock sound. His work with Deep Purple produced iconic tracks like “Smoke on the Water” and “Highway Star,” showcasing his virtuosic guitar solos and innovative riffs.
After leaving Deep Purple in 1975, Blackmore formed Rainbow, a band that initially featured Ronnie James Dio as the lead vocalist. Rainbow’s music combined hard rock with classical influences, evident in albums like “Rising” and “Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll.” The band underwent several lineup changes and achieved commercial success with hits like “Since You Been Gone.”
Blackmore rejoined Deep Purple in 1984 but departed again in 1993 due to creative differences. In 1997, he formed Blackmore’s Night with his partner Candice Night, focusing on Renaissance-inspired folk rock. The duo has released multiple albums, blending medieval melodies with contemporary arrangements.
Throughout his career, Blackmore has been recognized as one of the greatest guitarists in rock history, known for his technical proficiency and eclectic musical influences.
Watch Ritchie Blackmore in action
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