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Rainbow was originally formed in 1975 by Blackmore after his departure from Deep Purple. He recruited members from the band Elf, among whom was the emerging vocalist Ronnie James Dio. After the release of their debut album, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, various lineup changes ensued. Noteworthy among these was Dio's exit following the release of the band's influential albums, Rising (1976) and Long Live Rock and Roll (1978). Dio's departure was a turning point; he pursued a heavier musical direction by joining Black Sabbath, while Blackmore aimed to shift Rainbow towards more mainstream appeal.