Ritchie Blackmore, born Richard Hugh Blackmore on April 14, 1945, in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, England, is an iconic English guitarist known for his contributions to the world of rock music. With a career spanning several decades, Blackmore has left an indelible mark on the genre and has been a driving force behind legendary bands such as Deep Purple and Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow.
Born to parents Lewis J. Blackmore and Violet Short, Ritchie Blackmore showed a passion for music from an early age. He began playing the guitar as a teenager and quickly developed his skills, drawing inspiration from various musical styles. His dedication to the instrument paid off when he joined the band Shades of Deep Purple in 1968, which later became simply Deep Purple.
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As the lead guitarist of Deep Purple, Blackmore played a pivotal role in shaping the band's sound and achieving commercial success. During his time with Deep Purple, from 1968 to 1994, Blackmore contributed his distinctive guitar playing to numerous albums, including "In Rock" (1970), "Machine Head" (1972), and "Made in Japan" (1972). These albums showcased his exceptional talent for crafting powerful riffs, melodic solos, and intricate guitar arrangements that became hallmarks of Deep Purple's music.
In 1994, after years of creative differences and lineup changes within Deep Purple, Ritchie Blackmore decided to leave the band to explore new musical horizons. He formed his own rock band called Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, which allowed him greater creative freedom. With Rainbow, Blackmore continued to captivate audiences with his guitar prowess and released several successful albums, including "Rising" (1976) and "Straight Between the Eyes" (1982).
However, in 1997, Blackmore made a surprising shift in musical direction. He transitioned from rock to folk rock and embarked on a new journey with his girlfriend and later wife, Candice Night. Together, they formed the duo Blackmore's Night, fusing elements of Renaissance music, folk, and rock. With Blackmore's masterful guitar playing and Night's enchanting vocals, the duo garnered a loyal following and released a string of albums, including "Shadow of the Moon" (1997) and "Ghost of a Rose" (2003).
Ritchie Blackmore's ability to adapt to different musical styles and his unwavering commitment to his craft have solidified his status as one of the greatest guitarists in rock history. Known for his electrifying live performances and his unique blend of blues, classical, and hard rock influences, Blackmore has inspired generations of musicians and continues to be revered as a guitar virtuoso.
Throughout his life, Blackmore has been married multiple times. He married Margit Volkmar sometime between 1965 and 1969, Bärbel between 1969 and 1971, and Amy Rothman between 1981 and 1983. However, his most notable and enduring marriage has been to Candice Night, whom he married on May 8, 2008, when he was 63 years old and Night was 37 years old.
Ritchie Blackmore's musical journey has been one of constant exploration and reinvention. From his influential years with Deep Purple to the establishment of Rainbow and his subsequent foray into folk rock with Blackmore's Night, he has left an indelible mark on the rock music landscape. His virtuosity, innovative playing style, and enduring passion for music have earned him a rightful place among the legends of rock guitar.
