Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne, was a British singer, songwriter, and television personality, widely recognized as a heavy metal legend and the frontman of Black Sabbath. His voice, once heard, is always unmistakable.

Nicknamed the “Prince of Darkness” for his provocative image and behavior, Osbourne rose to global stardom despite a challenging childhood, dyslexia, and struggles with addiction. He won a Grammy Award and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath (2006) and as a solo artist (2024).

Creative Career

Osbourne’s career began in the late 1960s as the lead singer of Black Sabbath, a band that laid the foundation for heavy metal. Their album Paranoid (1970), with songs like “Iron Man” and “War Pigs,” became iconic.

After leaving the band in 1979, he launched a solo career with albums Blizzard of Ozz (1980) and No More Tears (1991). His music blends dark lyrics, powerful guitar riffs, and theatrical performances. Osbourne founded Ozzfest, a festival that popularized heavy metal. He also became a reality TV star through The Osbournes (2002–2005), which showcased his family life.

One of his standout rock ballads is “Dreamer.”

Collaborators

In Black Sabbath, Osbourne worked with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward.

In his solo career, key collaborators included guitarists Randy Rhoads (died 1982), Jake E. Lee, Zakk Wylde, and Gus G. He also collaborated with Lemmy Kilmister, Rob Zombie, and Post Malone (on the song “Take What You Want,” 2019).

“Mama, I’m Coming Home” is another iconic track.

Family and Loved Ones

Ozzy Osbourne was a father to six children.

From his first marriage to Thelma Riley (1971–1982), he had three children: Jessica, Louis, and adopted son Elliot Kingsley.

From his second marriage to Sharon Osbourne (since 1982), who was his manager and primary support, he had three children: Aimee, Kelly, and Jack Osbourne. Sharon’s father, Don Arden, was Black Sabbath’s first manager.

The family gained fame through the reality show The Osbournes, which revealed their dynamic family life. Despite health challenges, including Parkinson’s disease (diagnosed in 2020), Osbourne maintained close family ties. Though he appeared aggressive and provocative on stage, the reality show revealed him as a devoted family man, with his eccentricities being part of his stage persona.

Ozzy Osbourne was not only a heavy metal icon but also a cultural phenomenon whose influence on music and pop culture is immense. His ability to overcome personal struggles and continue his creative work makes him an inspiring figure.

Known as the “Godfather of Heavy Metal” for his successful career, during which over 100 million records were sold, Osbourne battled alcohol and drug addiction for much of his life but overcame them in the early 2000s, thanks to his remarkable wife, Sharon, who was also his manager and organizer. The Osbourne family’s strength became another hallmark of their legacy. He suffered from health issues, including Parkinson’s disease (diagnosed in 2019) and pulmonary emphysema. In 2025, he lost the ability to walk and used a wheelchair but continued performing, including at the monumental 10-hour farewell concert in Birmingham on July 5, 2025, where Black Sabbath reunited after 20 years alongside numerous top rock artists.

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