Elf (Band)

The blues rock band Elf was founded in 1967 by Ronnie James Dio under the name The Electric Elves. In 1969, the name of the band was shortened to The Elves and finally changed in 1970 to eleven. The songs are a mixture of Dixie, blues and rock and roll. In 1975, the band broke up after recording three albums.

Band History

Ronnie James Dio and Nick Pantas already knew each other from Ronnie Dio And The Prophets. After this band was disbanded in the fall of 1967, the two founded together with Dio 's cousin David Feinstein, Doug Thaler and Gary Driscoll The Electric Elves. Mid-1969 they decided shortly before the release of their second single to a reduction of the band name.

In 1970, the band was involved in a car accident in which Nick Pantas died and Doug Thaler was seriously injured. After several months of hospitalization to Thaler decided to leave the band. While the position of second guitarist was no longer new occupied, came for Micky Lee Soule Thaler as a keyboardist for the band. In the new formation they called themselves only eleven.

In the next few years they played in many smaller clubs. In 1972, she was heard by Roger Glover and Ian Paice of Deep Purple, who then offered them a record deal. The recordings for the first album on which Ronnie James Dio also even played bass, found in the "Studio One" in Atlanta, Georgia instead. Then they accompanied Deep Purple as the opening act on several North American tours.

In the spring of 1973, David Feinstein left the band and was replaced by Steve Edwards. With Craig Gruber also a bass player was added as an additional member. In the summer of that year, Elf signed a new recording contract with MGM Records ( USA) and Purple Records (UK ). Produced by Roger Glover album was called Carolina County Ball. However, there appeared on the U.S. market under the name LA/59 with a different shell. Another tour as the opening act for Deep Purple followed.

In December 1974, Mark Nauseef was added to the band. With his third album Trying to Burn the Sun was recorded, again with Roger Glover as producer. Immediately after the shooting, even before the release of the album, to Elf disbanded. Ritchie Blackmore, who had just left Deep Purple, founded with Dio, Craig Gruber, Gary Driscoll and Mickey Lee Soule, the band Rainbow.

Discography

Albums

Singles

  • Blue Band
  • Rock band
  • American band
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