Anton LaVey was an American author and musician, best known for founding the Church of Satan in 1966. He wrote the Satanic Bible, which outlines his beliefs and the principles of LaVeyan Satanism, emphasizing individualism, self-indulgence, and personal empowerment. Born on April 11, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, LaVey became a prominent figure in the counterculture movement of the 1960s. He often performed as an organist and was involved in various artistic endeavors. LaVey passed away on October 29, 1997, leaving a lasting impact on modern occultism and popular culture.