Elvis Costello

Elvis Costello (70)

1954-08-25 | Paddington, London, England, UK

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.

On Movies

  • Sesame Street's 50th Anniversary Celebration
  • Elvis Costello & The Imposters: The Return Of The Spectacular Spinning Songbook
  • A MusiCares Tribute to Neil Young
  • Hard Rock Calling 2010
  • A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!
  • Delirious
  • Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint: Hot as a Pistol, Keen as a Blade
  • The Harry Smith Project Live
  • Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
  • Elvis Costello & Friends
  • Grand Ole Opry Live
  • From the Big Apple to the Big Easy: The Concert for New Orleans
  • De-Lovely
  • I Love Your Work
  • A Tribute To Burt Bacharach & Hal David
  • Prison Song
  • Unleaded
  • Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
  • 200 Cigarettes
  • Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach: Sessions at West 54th
  • Burt Bacharach: One Amazing Night
  • Spice World
  • Tony Bennett: MTV Unplugged
  • Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night
  • Red Shoes In the Land of the Midnight Sun: Elvis Costello & The Confederates Live in Tokyo
  • Straight to Hell
  • No Surrender
  • Live Aid
  • The Bullshitters: Roll Out the Gunbarrel
  • George Jones: With a Little Help from His Friends
  • Concerts for the People of Kampuchea
  • Elvis Costello & The Attractions Live in Montreaux
  • Americathon
  • Elvis Costello and The Attractions: Live on Rockpalast
  • Elvis Costello and The Attractions: Live at The Capitol Theatre

NextFilm 2025