Don Arden

This article is about the entertainment manager. For the Vegas choreographer, see Donn Arden.

Don Arden
Born
Harry Levy

(1926-01-04)4 January 1926
Cheetham, Manchester, England
Died21 July 2007(2007-07-21) (aged 81)
Los Angeles, California, US
EducationRoyal College of Music
Occupations
  • Businessman
  • music manager
  • publicist
  • agent
Years active1954–1986
Known forFounder of Jet Records
Spouse
Hope Shaw
​
​
(m. 1950; died 1999)​
Children2, including Sharon Osbourne
Relatives

Don Arden (born Harry Levy; 4 January 1926 – 21 July 2007) was an English music manager, agent, and businessman. He managed the careers of rock acts such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Gene Vincent, Air Supply, Small Faces, The Move, Black Sabbath, Electric Light Orchestra, and Trickster.

Arden gained a reputation in Britain for his aggressive, sometimes illegal business tactics, which led to his being called "Mr Big", the "English Godfather" and the "Al Capone of Pop".[1] His 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.

He was married to Hope Shaw, a former ballet dancer/teacher, who died in 1999.[2] He was the father of David Levy and Sharon Osbourne.

  1. ^ "Don Arden". The Daily Telegraph. 25 July 2007. Retrieved 12 May 2009.
  2. ^ "Music Mogul Don Arden dies at 81". BBC News. 24 July 2007. Retrieved 25 July 2007.