Elvis Costello
Biography
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.
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Full filmography
- The Simpsons (1989) as Elvis Costello (voice)
- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2015) as Self
- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2015) as Self - Musical Guest
- The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (2014) as Self - Musical Guest
- The Daily Show (1996) as Self
- Two and a Half Men (2003) as Elvis Costello
- Real Time with Bill Maher (2003) as Self
- Top of the Pops (1964) as Self (archive footage)
- Late Show with David Letterman (1993) as Self - Musical Guest
- Frasier (1993) as Ben
- Saturday Night Live (1975) as Self - Musical Guest
- The Graham Norton Show (2007) as Self
- The Colbert Report (2005) as Self
- 30 Rock (2006) as Elvis Costello
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003) as Self
- Have I Got News for You (1990) as Self
- Champs-Elysées (1982) as Self
- 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996) as Elvis Costello
- The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (1992) as Self - Musical Guest
- Late Night with Conan O'Brien (1993) as Self - Guest
- Late Night with Conan O'Brien (1993) as Self - Musical Guest
- Die Harald Schmidt Show (1995) as Self
- The Oscars (1953) as Self
- The Larry Sanders Show (1992) as Elvis Costello