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.

Elvis Costello

Overview

Elvis Costello

Known For

Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music

The Specials – A Message to You

Roy Orbison Forever

Lindisfarne’s Geordie Genius: The Alan Hull Story

Johnny Cash: The Man in Black in Britain

Sesame Street's 50th Anniversary Celebration

Tower of Song: A Memorial Tribute to Leonard Cohen

Pete the Cat

Ex Libris: The New York Public Library

The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years

Biography

Acting