Ritchie Blackmore has praised Paul Rodgers as “the best vocalist in the world” and revealed that the late-great Ronnie James Dio was “a little bit envious of him.”

Last week, Ritchie Blackmore took part in a surprise Q&A session on Instagram, and he was asked by one fan if there are any artists he wished he collaborated with.

Singling out Free and Bad Company legend Paul Rodgers, Ritchie said he would like to have recorded a blues album with him.

Ritchie went on: “He did come in the studio when (Rainbow) were in the studio one time and Ronnie (James Dio) was a little bit envious of him, and that was a bit embarrassing.

Ronnie James Dio and Ritchie Blackmore in 1976

“It was in Arabella studios (Musicland) in Munich, and Paul Rodgers was just there pretending he was the producer, and it was good fun. Paul had, in my opinion, the best voice in rock and roll.

“Any of that Free stuff, especially ‘Heartbreaker’ was one of my favourites. I love that guy’s voice. I think he’s probably the best vocalist in the world.”

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In a May 2024 poll of thousands of Planet Rock listeners, Paul Rodgers was voted the 4th Greatest Rock Singer of All Time with Ronnie James Dio in second spot behind Freddie Mercury.

Last week it was announced that a star-studded Rainbow tribute album called ‘Ride the Rainbow’ will be released on Friday 19th June via Cleopatra Records.

‘Ride the Rainbow’ boasts performances from six Rainbow alumni – Bob Daisley, Graham Bonnet, Don Airey, Joe Lynn Turner, Doogie White, and Ronnie Romero.

Other performers include Mick Box, Sebastian Bach, Rick Wakeman, Steve Morse, Derek Sherinian, Mike Tramp, Tim “Ripper” Owens, Phil Soussan, Vivian Campbell, Joel Hoekstra, George Lynch, David Ellefson, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Marty Friedman, Vinny Appice, Carmine Appice, Chris Adler, Simon Wright, Eric Gales, and many more.

Ritchie Blackmore’s wife and Blackmore’s Night bandmate, Candice Night, also sings on closing track ‘I Surrender’.