Elvis Costello was born Declan Patrick MacManus in London, England and raised in Liverpool. The son of British band leader Ross MacManus, Costello took his pseudonym from Elvis Presley and his mother's maiden name (Costello). He began performing professionally in 1969 and was a musician and/or singer in many bands around London before forming a moderately successful pub-rock band called "Flip City" in the mid-1970s. Working full time as a computer operator, he landed his first record deal with Stiff Records in 1977 and recorded his first album "My Aim Is True" while on vacation. The album was a smash hit in England and landed Costello a worldwide distribution deal with Columbia records. Forming his backup group, "The Attractions", for his second album, Costello went on to record several popular and influential albums over the next decade. Today, he is regarded as one of the most influential and popular singer/songwriters in modern music. In 1998, he collaborated with legendary tune smith, Burt Bacharach, on a highly successful album of love songs "Painted From Memory".
Legally changed name to Elvis Costello in 1977, then to Declan Patrick Aloysius MacManus in 1986. Post-1986, he used both names for professional purposes, though he usually performed under the Costello moniker. "Aloysius" was not one of his original middle names. In addition to recordings as "Elvis Costello" (often backed by The Attractions), has recorded music as "Declan MacManus", "Napoleon Dynamite & The Royal Guard", "The Coward Brothers" (with T-Bone Burnett), "Nick Lowe & His Sound", "The Emotional Toothpaste" and "The Imposter". Son of Ross MacManus Plays the guitar, harmonica and piano. Lead singer and guitarist of Elvis Costello and the Attractions. Fan of Liverpool Football Club. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of the Elvis Costello and the Attractions) on 10 March 2003. May 2003 - announced engagement to Canadian jazz singer, Diana Krall. Attended the special dinner at Sony Studios in Los Angeles to honour the singer and activist Sting as MusiCares 2004 Person of the Year. The evening celebrated Sting's contribution to popular music, and honoured his charitable work with Amnesty International and the Rainforest Foundation. Other stars in attendance included Kylie Minogue, Elton John & Dido. (6th February 2004). He was voted the 30th Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Artist of all time by Rolling Stone. Is a big fan of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys. He and his wife, Diana Krall, are expecting their first children, a set of twins, due in December 2006. Through Diana Krall, Jamie Chisholm is related to Elvis Costello.