Elvis Costello
Rock Singer
Declan Patrick MacManus OBE, known professionally as Elvis Costello, is an English singer-songwriter and record producer. He has won multiple awards in his career, including a Grammy Award in 2020, and has twice been nominated for the Brit Award for Best British Male Artist.
About
Elvis Costello, born Declan Patrick MacManus on August 25, 1954 in London, England, is an English singer-songwriter and musician who has been active in the music industry since 1975. He first achieved success as a songwriter for artists such as Nick Lowe and Graham Parker before launching a solo career with his debut album My Aim Is True (1977). His eclectic mix of musical styles ranges from punk to folk to country to pop and has earned him widespread critical acclaim.
Costello’s first three albums solidified his reputation as one of the most influential musicians of the 1970s punk rock scene. In 1979, he released Armed Forces, which included “Oliver's Army” and “Accidents Will Happen” and reached No. 2 on the U.K. Albums Chart and No. 11 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart; it was certified platinum in both countries. His follow-up album Get Happy!! (1980) featured a more soul sound and topped charts around the world; it was followed by Trust (1981), which spawned two top 10 singles, “Clubland” and “Everyday I Write the Book”.
In 1982, Costello collaborated with The Attractions to release Imperial Bedroom, which showcased his increasingly sophisticated songwriting style; it became his highest charting album in both the U.K. (#2) and U.S. (#20). Over the next several years, he released a series of successful albums including Punch the Clock (1983), Goodbye Cruel World (1984), King of America (1986), Blood & Chocolate (1986) and Spike (1989). The 1990s saw Costello switch gears stylistically with releases like Mighty Like a Rose (1991) and Kojak Variety (1995).
In 2003, he reunited with The Imposters for North, followed by 2005's acclaimed The Delivery Man featuring many guest musicians including Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris and Allen Toussaint; its follow-up Momofuku was released in 2008. Costello continues to tour extensively around the world today and remains one of rock music's most respected figures.
Life Timeline
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1954</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Elvis Costello is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On August 25, 1954, Elvis Costello was born Declan Patrick MacManus in London, England.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1977</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Debut Album Released</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Released his debut album, My Aim Is True.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1978</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">"Oliver's Army" Hits #2</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">His single "Oliver's Army" hits #2 on the UK singles chart.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1980</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Grammy Nomination and US Tour</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Receives a Grammy nomination for his album Get Happy!! and embarks on a successful tour of the United States.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1986</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">"Everyday I Write the Book" Reaches Top 10</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">His single "Everyday I Write the Book" reaches the top ten in the U.S. charts.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1993</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Inducted Into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">He is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the British Invasion band The Attractions.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2004</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Receives Order of the British Empire</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for services to music.</p></div>
Why We Love Them
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> His Music</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Elvis Costello is a talented musician who has released a huge body of work over the years. His songs are often clever and witty, blending elements of rock, pop, and punk into his own unique sound. He has been an influence on bands such as The Clash, R.E.M., and Blur.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> His Songwriting</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Elvis Costello's songwriting is some of the best in the business. His songs are often characterized by sharp wit and evocative imagery. He also writes from personal experiences, which can make his songs highly relatable to his listeners.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> He's a Great Live Performer</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Elvis Costello is known for his energetic live performances. His shows are full of energy and passion and often involve improvisation and experimentation with different musical styles. He is also known for his interactions with fans during shows, making every performance unique.</p></div>
Interesting Facts
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> Born Declan Patrick MacManus</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Elvis Costello was born Declan Patrick MacManus but changed his name when he started playing in the London music scene in the mid 1970s.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> Instrumental Virtuoso</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Elvis Costello is an instrumental virtuoso, playing guitar, drums, piano, and bass. He has also been known to play the harmonica and saxophone.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Collaborations with Burt Bacharach</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">In 1998 Elvis Costello released a collaborative album with Burt Bacharach entitled 'Painted From Memory'. The album won a Grammy for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> Member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Elvis Costello was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, becoming only the second artist from England to be honored in such a way.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">5.</span> Family Ties</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Elvis Costello's father is Ross MacManus, a big band and swing singer who was part of the Joe Loss Orchestra. His father's influence can be heard in many of his songs.</p></div>
FAQs
