Don Arden

Who was Don Arden?

Don Arden, was an English music manager, agent, and businessman best known for overseeing the careers of the rock groups Small Faces, The Move, Electric Light Orchestra and Black Sabbath.

He achieved notoriety in England for his aggressive, sometimes illegal business tactics which led to his being called "Mr. Big", "The English Godfather" and "The Al Capone of Pop".

He was married to Hope Shaw, a former ballet dancer/teacher, who died in 1999. He was the father of David Levy and Sharon Osbourne.

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.