The Music of Elvis Costello
Declan Patrick MacManus is considered one of the most influential musicians of the past 30 years. Who is Declan Patrick MacManus you say? You may know his music under the name of Elvis Costello.
Costello, (nee MacManus) was born on August 25, 1954 in London, England. He got his love for music from his father who was a musician and a bandleader. When he reached 18, he started to get some music gigs (both as an individual and as part of a duo) under the name D. P. Costello. He used Costello, because his father performed in the past under the same surname.
. Biography : a look at the biography of Elvis Costello
. Profile : a profile of Elvis Costello
. Real Name : background story behind the name change to Elvis Costello
In his early years, he supported himself by working in several office jobs during the day, and performing music on nights and weekends. His early years in music were spent playing pub rock style of music, with his Fender acoustic guitars in pubs in the London area. Looking for his break in the music industry, he made a demo tape of music that he wrote and recorded that he sent to various record companies. Independent label Stiff Records like what they heard and signed him to a contract. At that point his manager at the record company made a suggestion of a name change. From that point on, Declan Patrick MacManus was professionally known as Elvis Costello.
. Costello Biography : a look at the career of Elvis Costello
. Rolling Stone : a biography from rollingstone.com
. Music Beginnings : a biography and resources from Elvis Costello
During his career, Costello has changed musical styles to go with the times as well as his musical influences. Elvis Costello has gone from Pub Rock to Rock to New Wave to Punk Rock to styles of music that take from each category. Since releasing his first album in 1977, Costello has recorded 35 albums. Many of the albums have been solo albums, but he has also recorded group albums as Elvis Costello and the Attractions and Elvis Costello and the Imposters. He has also recorded several albums collaborating with musicians such as Burt Bacharach, Marian McPartland and the Brodsky Quartet.
. Discography : discography from elviscostello.info
. Costello Discography : review of albums from Elvis Costello
. Official Discography : discography from the official Elvis Costello website
Costello is also a very versatile performer. He has appeared, often as himself, on various movies and television programs. He can be seen in Spiceworld, Austin Power and Talladega Nights on the big screen and Two and a Half Men, 3rd Rock from the Sun and The Simpsons on television.
. TV Appearances : summary of Elvis appearances on television
. Filmbug Biography : summary of Costello movie appearances
. Film and TV Work : film and television summary from imdb.com
Elvis Costello has produced many hit albums and singles. Some of his better known songs include "Alison", "Everyday I Write the Book" and "I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down."
. Lyrics : lyrics from Elvis Costello songs
. Song Lyrics : song lyrics of Costello songs and albums
. Album Lyrics : a collection of lyrics from Elvis Costello songs
Elvis Costello has been an influential musician for over 30 years, and his collaborations go beyond the boundaries of music. One of his latest projects is with his wife, jazz songstress Diana Krall. In December 2006, Elvis and Diana had twin boys, so genetics would indicate that music will continue for many years.