Who is Elvis Costello?

Elvis Costello is an English singer-songwriter and musician who has gained international fame as one of the most influential acts in rock music. His career spans more than four decades, beginning in the late 1970s with his debut album My Aim Is True. During this time, he has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, such as Burt Bacharach, Paul McCartney and The Roots.

Early Life and Career

Declan Patrick MacManus was born in London, England on 25 August 1954. He was raised in Liverpool by his father Ross MacManus, a bandleader in a cabaret act. His father's influence on him was evident early on, as he began playing piano at age nine and guitar at age eleven. He took up the stage name Elvis Costello when he began performing in pubs in the mid-1970s. His first single, Less Than Zero, was released in 1977 and made it to number five on the British charts.

Rise to Fame

Costello released his debut album My Aim Is True in 1977 and it quickly gained popularity. The album included hits such as Alison and Watching The Detectives. His second album This Year's Model followed in 1978 and cemented his success with singles like Pump It Up and (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea. Over the next few years, Costello released several more albums that gained critical acclaim, such as Armed Forces (1979), Get Happy!! (1980) and Imperial Bedroom (1982).

Collaborations

In the 1980s, Costello began collaborating with some legendary musical figures such as Burt Bacharach, Paul McCartney and The Roots. In 1989 he released Spike, which featured collaborations with McCartney and The Brodsky Quartet. Over the following decades he released several more albums that showcased his collaborations with other artists.

Legacy

Throughout his career, Costello has received numerous awards including induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2003. He has been praised for his songwriting skills and influence on music. He continues to tour and perform today at venues all over the world.