Elvis Costello

Eclectic singer and songwriter Elvis Costello was born Declan Patrick MacManus on August 25, 1954, in London, England. Costello moved to Liverpool with his mother when he was in his late teens, and it was there that he formed his first band, the folk duo, Rusty. Costello then moved back to London, where he formed the band Flip City and also began going by his stage name, DP Costello.

While playing in his band, Costello took on a variety of odd jobs to pay the bills, including stints as a data entry clerk for a cosmetic company, and as a computer programmer. Meanwhile, Costello continued to work on his song writing and sought out a solo record deal. He was eventually signed to independent label, Stiff Records, where his manager suggested he adopt Elvis Presley's first name and combine it with his own mother's maiden name, Costello.

In the summer of 1977, Costello released the first single from his debut album, My Aim Is True, to positive reviews. The following year, he released This Year's Model with his backup band, the Attractions. Costello continued to release albums into the 80s; however, it wasn’t until the summer of 1984 that he embarked on his first solo tour. 

In 1987, Costello negotiated a worldwide contract with Warner Bros. Records, and began collaborating with former Beatle, Paul McCartney. The end result was the album Spike, which was released in 1989, and featured Costello’s biggest US hit, "Veronica."

In the mid-90s Costello reunited with the Attractions to record the pop-oriented album, Brutal Youth; and he also embarked on its worldwide promotional tour. During the late 90s, Costello found some mainstream success contributing to the films Notting Hill in 1999, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant; and Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me also in 1999, starring Mike Myers and Heather Graham. He has also made numerous cameo appearances as himself in various films, including Spice World in 1997, with The Spice Girls; 200 Cigarettes in 1999, with Ben Affleck and Christina Ricci; and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby in 2006, with Will Farrell.

In 2003, after completing a residency at UCLA, Costello collaborated with wife and fellow musician, Diana Krall, on her first album of original material, The Girl in the Other Room. Costello and Krall were married at the London home of Sir Elton John in 2003, and in 2006, they welcomed the birth of twin boys, Dexter Henry Lorcan and Frank Harlan James. Costello had previously been married to Cait O'Riordan, the former bassist for The Pogues, from 1986 to 2002, as well as to Mary Burgoyne from 1974 to 1984.

YUDDY