- Born
- Place
Elvis Costello
Referencing prodigies of rock lyricism may not bring Elvis Costello to mind for some, but he does deserve consideration. Through the course of over four decades, the former computer programmer has maintained a career as a singer-songwriter, giving the likes of Bob Dylan himself a reckoning. He was born Declan MacManus in London, England, on August 25, 1954. He took the moniker Elvis Costello in 1977, adopting his first name from Elvis Presley and the last part from the maiden name of his mother. Also in '77, Costello's debut album My Aim Is True was released, drawing connections to the new wave and punk movement while showing musical variance. That year, Costello's band The Attractions was assembled. The group released a number of albums, including This Year's Model, Armed Forces, and Trust. 1986's Blood and Chocolate produced memorable, literate gems, such as "Tokyo Storm Warning" and "I Want You."
After the Attractions' final show in 1996, caused by conflict between Costello and the band's bassist Bruce Thomas, two of the group's other members would become part of his new backing band, The Imposters. Costello has released over 30 albums.
As actor
McCartney: The Hunt for the Lost Bass
Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music
Elvis Costello & WDR Big Band @ Leverkusener Jazztage 2025
Alma Naidu @ Levekusener Jazztage 2025
Record On: The Specials - A Message to You
Sounds of Liverpool at the BBC
Roy Orbison Forever
Lindisfarne's Geordie Genius: The Alan Hull Story
Ringo Starr’s Big Birthday Show
Johnny Cash: The Man in Black in Britain
Sesame Street's 50th Anniversary Celebration
Tower of Song: A Memorial Tribute to Leonard Cohen
Ex Libris: The New York Public Library
Roy Orbison: Black and White Night 30
The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years
Elvis Costello - Detour Live at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Lost Songs: The Basement Tapes Continued
Elvis Costello: Mystery Dance
Experience Montreux
Elvis Costello & The Imposters: The Return Of The Spectacular Spinning Songbook
A MusiCares Tribute to Neil Young
I Was There: When the Beatles Played the Cavern
Love Shines
Hard Rock Calling 2010
A Prairie Home Companion Live in HD!
Live From Bonnaroo 2009
A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!
Memento Mori
Delirious
Elvis Costello: Live: A Case for Song