Influences, part one of a bunch

No one has challenged me, but I feel like sharing some cultural things that have shaped, influenced, or moved me.

First up – Ronnie James Dio. He got a lot of crap for “dark” imagery, fantastic/fantasy elements, etc. I’m here to tell you RJD was so damned wholesome, it wasn’t even funny. He addressed child abuse (Invisible), transgenderism (Invisible), mental health (many, but Rainbow In The Dark for sure), Gaslighting/domestic abuse (Between Two Hearts), Parental gaslighting/abuse (Twisted), and so much more. His songs were couched in dark mystery, introspection, but were universally self positive, uplifting, and encouraging.

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