Elf were founded by Ronnie James Dio- then using his birth name Padavona - on bass guitar as well as inimitable lead vocals. He was joined by his guitarslinging cousin David “Rock” Feinstein (later of The Rods), and future Rainbow alumni Mickey Lee Soule on piano and Gary Driscoll on drums.Coming to the attention of Epic Records in the States, ELF had their 1972 debut co-produced by none other than Deep Purple’s bassist Roger Glover and drummer Ian Paice, then the hottest Rock property on either side of the Atlantic, leading to support tours with Deep Purple.