Anton LaVey

Anton Szandor LaVey (born Howard Stanton Levey; April 11, 1930 – October 29, 1997) was an American author, musician, and LaVeyan Satanist. He was the founder of the Church of Satan, the philosophy of LaVeyan Satanism, and the concept of Satanism. He authored several books, including ''The Satanic Bible'', ''The Satanic Rituals'', ''The Satanic Witch'', ''The Devil's Notebook'', and ''Satan Speaks!'' In addition, he released three albums, including ''The Satanic Mass'', ''Satan Takes a Holiday'', and ''Strange Music''. He played a minor on-screen role and served as technical advisor for the 1975 film ''The Devil's Rain'' and served as host and narrator for Nick Bougas' 1989 mondo film ''Death Scenes''.

Historian of Satanism Gareth J. Medway described LaVey as a "born showman", with anthropologist Jean La Fontaine describing him as a "colourful figure of considerable personal magnetism". The academic scholars of Satanism Per Faxneld and Jesper Aagaard Petersen described LaVey as "the most iconic figure in the Satanic milieu". LaVey was labeled many things by journalists, religious detractors, and Satanists alike, including "The Father of Satanism", the "St. Paul of Satanism", "The Black Pope", and the "evilest man in the world". Provided by Wikipedia