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 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.
Acting
TV
The Simpsons
as Elvis Costello (voice)
1989
Movie
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
as Elvis Costello
1999
TV
Two and a Half Men
as Elvis Costello
2003
Movie
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
as Elvis Costello
2006
TV
Frasier
as Ben
1993
TV
30 Rock
as Elvis Costello
2006
TV
The Daily Show
as Self
1996
TV
3rd Rock from the Sun
as Elvis Costello
1996
Movie
Spice World
as Elvis Costello
1997
TV
Saturday Night Live
as Self - Musical Guest
1975
Movie
The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years
as Self
2016
TV
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
as Self - Musical Guest
2014
TV
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
as Self
2015
TV
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
as Self - Musical Guest
2015
TV
The Colbert Report
as Self
2005
TV
The Graham Norton Show
as Self
2007
TV
Real Time with Bill Maher
as Self
2003
TV
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
as Self
2003
Movie
200 Cigarettes
as Self
1999
TV
Late Show with David Letterman
as Self - Musical Guest
1993
TV
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
as Self - Guest
1993
TV
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
as Self - Musical Guest
1993
TV
Treme
as Elvis Costello
2010
Movie
De-Lovely
as Musical Performer - "Let's Misbehave"
2004
Crew
Movie
Cold Mountain
Songs
2003
Movie
The Shape of Things
Original Music Composer
2003
Movie
Club Paradise
Theme Song Performance
1986
TV
G.B.H.
Music
1991
TV
One Million Stars Falling from the Sky
Theme Song Performance
2002
Movie
Unleaded
Songs
2000
The Last Chance Dance
Songs
1984
TV
Spectacle: Elvis Costello with...
Executive Producer
2008
Rabbit Ears - Tom Thumb
Music
1991