Before the Fame: Rare Photos of Sharon Osbourne Young Reveal Her Untold Early Hustle
Q1: What was Sharon Osbourne's maiden name, and who was her father?
A1: Sharon was born Sharon Rachel Arden. Her father was Don Arden, the influential and fearsome British music manager who ran Jet Records and represented major rock acts like Small Faces, Electric Light Orchestra, and Black Sabbath.
Q2: When did Sharon officially take over Ozzy Osbourne's management?
A2: Sharon took over Ozzy's management in 1979 after Black Sabbath fired him in Los Angeles. She severed business ties with her father to oversee Ozzy's career independently, leading to the creation of the 1980 solo debut Blizzard of Ozz.
Q3: Did Sharon Osbourne really have to buy out Ozzy's contract from her father?
A3: Yes. To secure complete control over Ozzy's recording and touring future, Sharon purchased his management rights from Don Arden's company for approximately £410,000. The transaction caused a deep personal rift between Sharon and her father that lasted for nearly twenty years.