Elvis Costello
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| Elvis Costello | |
|---|---|
| Name | Elvis Costello |
| Caption | Costello performing in 2012 |
| Birth name | Declan Patrick MacManus |
| Birth date | 25 August 1954 |
| Birth place | Notting Hill, London, England |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter, musician, record producer |
| Years active | 1970s–present |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, piano |
| Labels | Stiff Records, Columbia Records, Warner Bros. Records |
| Associated acts | The Attractions, The Imposters, The Roots, Allen Toussaint |
Elvis Costello is an English singer-songwriter whose career has spanned punk, new wave, rock, pop, country, jazz, and classical genres. Born Declan Patrick MacManus in Notting Hill, London, he rose to prominence in the late 1970s with a distinctive literate songwriting style and energetic performances. Costello's work with backing bands such as The Attractions and The Imposters yielded critically acclaimed albums and enduring songs that influenced artists across British rock, American rock, and global popular music scenes.
Early life and education
Costello was born in Notting Hill, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, to Ross MacManus, a singer with the Joe Loss Orchestra and a session musician for BBC Radio, and Lillian MacManus. He spent part of his childhood in Liverpool and Brixton, and his parents' musical careers exposed him to skiffle, trad jazz, rock and roll, and skiffle revival performers associated with venues like The Cavern Club and programs on BBC Television. He attended St Joseph's School, St Philip's School and later studied at Hammersmith Technical College while working in record shops and as an accountant trainee at Fairey Aviation before pursuing music full-time.
Career
Costello adopted a stage name inspired by performers such as Elvis Presley and embraced the burgeoning pub rock and punk rock scenes that included acts like Pub Rock movement, The Sex Pistols, The Clash, and Damned. His debut single on Stiff Records, produced during sessions with Nick Lowe and other Stiff artists including Ian Dury, led to the breakthrough album My Aim Is True, produced by Nick Lowe and featuring musicians linked to Brinsley Schwarz and Love Sculpture. Subsequent albums like This Year's Model and Armed Forces featured The Attractions and were produced amid interactions with figures such as Graham Parker, Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, and producers at Olympic Studios and Ridge Farm Studios. Costello's career includes periods on major labels Columbia Records and Warner Bros. Records, tours with Bob Dylan, guest appearances on Saturday Night Live, and collaborative recordings with Paul McCartney, Elton John, Diana Krall, and Allen Toussaint.
Musical style and influences
Costello's songwriting reflects inspirations from Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Nick Lowe, Van Morrison, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and The Kinks. His eclectic albums draw on country music traditions linked to Hank Williams, Gram Parsons, and Townes Van Zandt, while jazz explorations reference Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk, and Bill Evans. Elements of soul music and R&B nod to James Brown, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, and Smokey Robinson, and classical touches echo composers associated with 20th-century classical music institutions such as the Royal Academy of Music and BBC Proms performances.
Collaborations and notable projects
Costello has collaborated with a wide range of artists and ensembles: songwriting and recordings with Paul McCartney, joint performances with Allen Toussaint, duets with Diana Krall, and genre-crossing projects with The Roots and T Bone Burnett. He produced or co-wrote tracks with Nick Lowe, worked on film and theater projects alongside Stephen Sondheim-adjacent composers, contributed to tribute albums for Bob Dylan and Sam Cooke, and participated in benefit concerts with Live Aid-era musicians and ensembles tied to Amnesty International. Notable projects include orchestral arrangements with the London Symphony Orchestra, soundtrack work connected to Woody Allen films, and collaborative albums that featured guest musicians from The Band, Steely Dan, Roxy Music, and Squeeze.
Personal life
Costello married first to Mary Burgoyne and later to Diana Krall, with family life centered in New York City and regular ties to London. He has been involved with cultural institutions such as the Royal Academy of Music and has spoken publicly about influences from his father, Ross MacManus, and peers like Nick Lowe and Graham Parker. Costello's public controversies and reconciliations involved figures from the music press and television hosts on programs like Saturday Night Live and Top of the Pops. He has also taken part in political and charitable events associated with organizations like Amnesty International and music education initiatives partnered with BBC Music.
Legacy and recognition
Costello's influence is acknowledged by artists across generations, including Radiohead members, Arctic Monkeys, Blondie, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Weller, Elvis Costello influence controversies (placeholder) critics at Rolling Stone, NME, Pitchfork, and institutions awarding Grammy Awards and Ivor Novello Awards. His albums appear on lists compiled by Rolling Stone magazine, The Guardian, Pitchfork Media, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—institutions and publications that also recognize peers such as The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and The Clash. Costello has received honors including Grammy Award nominations and wins, lifetime recognition from songwriting societies like the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and retrospectives at venues like Royal Albert Hall and festivals including Glastonbury Festival.