Elvis Costello

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 singersongwriter 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 Costellos debut album My Aim Is True was released drawing connections to the new wave and punk movement while showing musical variance That year Costellos band The Attractions was assembled The group released a number of albums including This Years Model Armed Forces and Trust 1986s 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 bands bassist Bruce Thomas two of the groups other members would become part of his new backing band The Imposters Costello has released over 30 albums