Elvis Costello continues to transform his musical identity.
Elvis Costello, widely acclaimed by critics, hasn't quite reached mainstream fame, and at 70, maybe it's a blessing in disguise. This versatile musician has been shape-shifting in the music industry since the '70s, often considered a top-tier pop and rock artist despite not being a household name. Born Declan Patrick MacManus on August 25, 1945, in London, he kickstarted his career as D.P. Costello, later adopting Elvis after his record label suggested aligning his image with the rising punk rock scene.
Costello's debut album, "My Aim Is True" (1977), was a fusion of punk, new wave, pub rock, rockabilly, and rhythm and blues. Featuring hits like "Alison" and "Less Than Zero," the album critically acclaimed Costello as a generation's influential songwriter, thanks to his intellectual and witty lyrics that labeled him as an outsider intellectual in the rock scene.
Family Ties
In his early days, he went by D.P. Costello. His label suggested changing his name to Elvis for a punk rock badge of honor. Declan Patrick MacManus was born on August 25, 1945, in London, known as D.P. Costello initially. His label proposed the Elvis name shift to better align with the emerging punk rock trend.
His musical roots run deep, thanks to his father, Ross MacManus, a singer and trumpeter, and his music-obsessed mother, Lillian, who worked at a record store. This rich musical upbringing played a significant role in shaping Costello's career.
Costello shared with Esquire: "The best advice I ever received came from my mother, Lillian. She taught me to write down what I couldn't say, and that helped me tremendously. Once I could see it in writing, I could either sing it or speak it."
Stylistic Evolution and Experiments
As a shape-shifter, Costello dabbled in different musical territories throughout his career. With The Attractions, his long-time backing band, he released albums spanning multiple genres, from punk to pop, and even soul. Albums like "Armed Forces" (1979) and "Get Happy!!" (1980) showcased his ability to blend various music styles.
The 1980s introduced several surprising projects for Costello's fans. His album "Almost Blue" (1981) dived into country music, while "Imperial Bedroom" (1982) experimented with orchestral arrangements and unconventional instruments, like harpsichord and accordion. One of his most commercially successful albums, "Punch The Clock" (1983), featured pop favorite "Everyday I Write The Book."
Despite his critical acclaim and music enthusiast popularity, Costello never fully broke through to mainstream stardom. Perhaps that's just how he likes it.
"Songs Hold the Power"
Costello is celebrated for his songwriting prowess, delivering both hilarious and heartfelt messages through his lyrics. His work often carries undertones of irony, and his singing voice often conveys a sense of vulnerability.
His personal life provided fertile ground for his music. His marriage to childhood sweetheart Mary Burgoyne crumbled as he rose to fame and had affairs, a reality he acknowledged. His personal struggles inspired much of his music, and fans often speculated on the inspirations behind his songs. As per a "GQ" interview, he famously declared, "It's all in the songs."
He was in a relationship with musician Cait O'Riordan, bassist of The Pogues, for over 15 years. Since 2003, he has been married to jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall. Their collaborations led to the hit album "North" in 2003, and they share two sons born in 2006.
A Writer's Writer
Costello's lyrical talent frequently earns him popularity among other songwriters. Among other notable collaborations, he co-wrote hit single "Veronica" with Paul McCartney in 1989, featuring McCartney on bass. The partnership with iconic composer Burt Bacharach, behind classics like "I Say A Little Prayer" and "Walk On By," resulted in the album "Painted From Memory" in 1998 and a Grammy award. The duo also made a humorous appearance in "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" and continued to perform together since.
Throughout his career, Costello has released over 30 studio albums. A spontaneous recording session with Jimmy Fallon's house band The Roots resulted in his latest release, "The Boy Named If," in 2022.
Following an appearance on Jimmy Fallon's "Tonight Show," Costello is embarking on a tour with long-time musical companion Steve Nieve, starting in September. The shows will cover 15 songs from his 50-year career, with performances planned for Britain and Ireland first, followed by the US. As of now, no planned shows in Germany have been announced, according to Costello's website.
Despite his success as an influential pop and rock artist, Elvis Costello hasn't managed to achieve mainstream fame, which some might see as a fortunate escape from the expectations and pressures that come with such notoriety. Known for his diverse music style that includes pop music, Costello has continued to experiment with different genres throughout his career.
Elvis Costello's musical journey has been heavily influenced by his family background, with his father's singing and trumpeting skills and his mother's work at a record store shaping his love for music from a young age.
