John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne
"Prince of Darkness"
December 3, 1948 - July 22, 2025
Influential in the development of heavy metal music
Successful solo career
After being let go from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to dangerously severe drug and alcohol addiction, Ozzy Osbourne reunited with the band in 1997 to record their final album - 13 - and embark on a farewell tour.
Ozzy was not born into upper crust society. He came from a working class and humble family. In perspective - a two bedroom home for two parents and six children.
Ozzy's early background did not help his cause. He was sexually abused by school bullies. He attempted suicide several times. He dropped out of school to find any work. He was convicted of robbing a clothing store when he was 17 years old and spent six weeks in prison when his father refused to pay his fine.
His discovery of and love for The Beatles helped him through and allowed him to find hope in his desires.
Ozzy Osbourne has sold over 100 million records both solo and as a member of Black Sabbath.
As a solo artist and with Black Sabbath, Ozzy was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005.
Ozzy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Black Sabbath in 2006.
Ozzy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 2024.
Honors -
Ozzy has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a star on the Birmingham Walk of Stars.
Ozzy received a Grammy Award in 1994 for Best Male Performance - "I Don't Want to Change the World."
Ozzy was recognized at the 2007 VH1 Rock Honors along with Genesis, Heart, and ZZ Top.
Ozzy was presented with the Living Legend award by Slash in the Classic Rock Roll of Honor Awards in 2008.
Ozzy Osbourne received the Global Icon Award at the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards ceremony.
Ozzy was the recipient of the Ivor Novello Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2015.
I Am Ozzy is his memoir, reaching No. 2 on the New York Times' hardcover non-fiction best-seller list. This is a remarkable honor given dealing with dyslexia as a child.
He served as a judge for the 6th, 10th, and 11th Independent Music Awards to support independent musicians.
He became a reality television star with the programs -
Ozzy Osbourne faced life lessons in his early years, grew up with humble reality, and worked hard to achieve a hope into a realized dream.
I am not familiar with Black Sabbath but I do not mind "Crazy Train" and, in personal honesty, am a fan of The Osbournes Want to Believe.
You may be known as the prince of darkness, but I know you will shine as you play it from Heaven.
Rest in peace, Ozzy.
You will be missed.
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