Reminiscence of young Sabrina Carpenter covering Ozzy Osbourne's Crazy Train at 12, a feel-good moment that underscores the enduring appeal of Ozzy's iconic music.
Sabrina Carpenter, the 26-year-old pop sensation from Quakertown, Pennsylvania, has been making waves in the music industry. Her latest album, Short n' Sweet, topped the national charts in 18 countries in 2024, selling more than three million copies in the US alone[1].
But Carpenter's musical journey began long before her pop fame. Her father, David, introduced her to classic rock and metal bands such as Queen, The Beatles, Rush, Guns N' Roses, and Ozzy Osbourne[2][4]. A notable example is a video from 2011 showing a 12-year-old Carpenter covering Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train," demonstrating both her affection and early capability with classic rock material[3].
This early exposure to iconic rock and metal artists provided a diverse musical background that informs her artistry[1][5]. Although her later work is predominantly pop, the foundational influence of classic rock can be seen in her music.
Meanwhile, the music world is also mourning the loss of a legend. Ozzy Osbourne, the Black Sabbath frontman and solo artist, was buried in England on July 30, following his death on July 22[6]. Thousands of fans turned out in Birmingham, Osbourne's hometown, to pay their respects[7].
Osbourne launched a successful solo career after being dismissed from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to perceived excessive substance abuse[8]. His 1980 solo debut, Blizzard Of Ozz, featured the signature anthem "Crazy Train," which has been covered by Sabrina Carpenter[3]. The album was a collaborative effort, with Bob Daisley contributing significantly to the lyrics[9]. Randy Rhoads, the guitarist on Blizzard of Ozz, provided valuable guidance during the recording process[10].
A documentary titled "Ozzy Osbourne: No Escape From Now" is currently in production, focusing on the final years of Osbourne's life. The documentary will feature interviews with Osbourne's family, Black Sabbath bandmate Tony Iommi, Guns N' Roses' Duff McKagan, Metallica's Robert Trujillo, Billy Idol, Tool's Maynard James Keenan, Red Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith, guitarist Zakk Wylde, and producer Andrew Watt[11]. BAFTA Award winner Tania Alexander is directing the documentary[12].
Sabrina Carpenter's cover of "Crazy Train" is available online as a testament to her pre-fame fondness for classic rock[3]. She joked about Rush's "The Trees" being the longest song she's ever heard to Rolling Stone earlier this year[13].
References: [1] https://www.billboard.com/music/sabrina-carpenter/chart-history/album/1130920 [2] https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sabrina-carpenter-debut-album-eyes-wide-open-1163670/ [3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6JJzQJj_6E [4] https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8567899/sabrina-carpenter-talks-classic-rock-influences-new-album-eyes-wide-open [5] https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8567899/sabrina-carpenter-talks-classic-rock-influences-new-album-eyes-wide-open [6] https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-58082231 [7] https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-58082231 [8] https://www.biography.com/musician/ozzy-osbourne [9] https://www.biography.com/musician/ozzy-osbourne [10] https://www.biography.com/musician/ozzy-osbourne [11] https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ozzy-osbourne-no-escape-from-now-documentary-interviews-1203543/ [12] https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ozzy-osbourne-no-escape-from-now-documentary-interviews-1203543/ [13] https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sabrina-carpenter-debut-album-eyes-wide-open-1163670/
- Sabrina Carpenter, despite her pop fame, found her roots in classic rock and metal, influenced by bands like Queen, The Beatles, Rush, Guns N' Roses, and Ozzy Osbourne.
- Carpenter's fondness for classic rock is evident in her cover of Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train" and her reference to Rush's "The Trees" as the longest song she's ever heard.
- Ozzy Osbourne, the Black Sabbath frontman and solo artist, was a significant figure in classic rock, with his 1980 solo debut, Blizzard Of Ozz, featuring the iconic "Crazy Train."
- The drummer, Randy Rhoads, and bassist, Bob Daisley, contributed significantly to Ozzy Osbourne's solo career, particularly on Blizzard of Ozz.
- In her 2011 video cover of "Crazy Train," Carpenter demonstrated an early aptitude for classic rock material.
- The music industry mourned the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, who was buried in England following his death in July 2024.
- A documentary, "Ozzy Osbourne: No Escape From Now," is currently in production, featuring interviews with Ozzy Osbourne's family, fellow musicians like Tony Iommi, Duff McKagan, Robert Trujillo, Billy Idol, Maynard James Keenan, Chad Smith, Zakk Wylde, and producer Andrew Watt.
- Although Carpenter's music is predominantly pop, her exposure to classic rock has left an indelible mark on her artistry.
