Name: Elvis Costello
Born: Declan Patrick McManus, St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London, England, UK. Only child to Merseyside parents, Ross and Lillian MacManus. Ross McManus played the trumpet, and was a singer with the popular big band, The Joe Loss Orchestra.
Date of Birth: August 25, 1954
Education: West London and Liverpool. Left school in 1972 and began playing in folk clubs and pubs before continuing his work in London.
Early career: First performed in public in 1969. Played with a number of bands including country-rock group Flip City in London. Worked as a computer operator at the Elizabeth Arden factory. Signed with Stiff Records in 1977, and was managed by label-owner Jake Riviera. First used the stage name ‘Elvis Costello’ at this time, based on Elvis Presley and his mother’s maiden name (Costello). On his days off work he recorded My Aim Is True (released July 1977), backed by US band Clover. The album, now a new wave punk classic, including the hit singles ‘Alison’ and ‘Watching The Detectives’, made it to 14 in the UK.
Elvis first recorded with The Attractions on his second album, entitled This Year's Model, recorded in 1978. The album was a hit, reaching 30 on the US charts, with hard-edged tracks like ‘Pump It Up’ and ‘Chelsea’ alongside the more melodic pop tune ‘Radio Radio’.
Label:
Island Records
