A WVU musician and composer heavily influenced by music legend Ozzy Osbourne said the late rocker could be credited with creating the genre of heavy metal music and will go down as one of the greatest vocalists of all time. (WVU Photo)
A West Virginia University musician, composer and producer credits English singer-songwriter John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne with creating the heavy metal music genre. Osbourne, who rose to fame in the 1970s as the lead singer of Black Sabbath and went on to have a successful solo career, died on July 22.
Mark Benincosa, teaching associate professor of music technology at the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media School of Music and heavy metal vocalist for the band Black Hole Zion, said Osbourne pushed musical boundaries in his five-decade career.
While known for shocking and controversial stage performances, the legendary singer evolved from his “Prince of Darkness” persona to a guiding force in the industry.
Quotes:
“Black Sabbath and Ozzy pushed musical boundaries. They pioneered what we might take for granted today. I can’t think of a popular rock or metal band that doesn’t owe their existence to Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne in some way. They wrote so many incredible riffs and Ozzy was a powerful vocalist. He blended intensity, melody and originality with instrumental performances from the musicians he worked with.
“As a songwriter, he surrounded himself with incredibly talented musicians that brought out the best in him. He had a career of over 50 years and put out well-regarded music up to and during this fifth and final decade of his career.
“His reputation as a family man has influenced the culture in a lot of heavy music circles. There is a sense of welcoming, caring and loving others that might really surprise folks who aren’t familiar with the genre because metal is known for so many dark themes.
“Ozzy carved out his own genre of music starting with his work in Black Sabbath. His persona went from mysterious to hard partying and finally this elder statesman or father figure in heavy music. You could tell he was doing what he loved, and when he said, ‘I love you all,’ fans believed him.
“He’ll go down as one of the best vocalists of all time. He could convey power, vulnerability, darkness and hopefulness, sometimes in one song. He sounded great in the studio and during live performances.” — Mark Benincosa, teaching associate professor, music technology, WVU College of Creative Arts and Media
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lj/7/28/25
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