Don Arden (4 January 1926 – 21 July 2007), born Harry Levy, was an English music manager, agent, and businessman best known for overseeing the careers of the rock groups Small Faces, Electric Light Orchestra, and Black Sabbath.
He achieved notoriety in England for his aggressive, sometimes illegal business tactics which led to him being called "Mr. Big", "The English Godfather" and "The Al Capone of Pop".
He was the father of Sharon Osbourne (and father-in-law of Ozzy Osbourne) and David Levy, by his wife, Hope Shaw, a former ballet dancer/teacher, who died in 1999.
Arden's success story turned sour when his violent 'negotiating' methods and questionable accounting caught up with him, and he became estranged from members of his own family.
Read more about Don Arden: Early Life and Career, Arden's Business Methods, Estrangement From Sharon Osbourne, Carnaby Street Plaque
Famous quotes containing the word don:
“I know what you’re thinking. Did he fire six shots or only five? Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement I’ve kinda lost track myself. But being this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off—you’ve got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?”
—Harry Fink, U.S. screenwriter, Rita Fink, U.S. screenwriter, Dean Riesner, U.S. screenwriter, and Don Siegel. Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood)