Elvis Costello is an English singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. He was initially associated with the punk and new wave genres of music, and has since explored various musical styles, including pop, country, and folk. He is widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Costello has won multiple awards, including a Grammy Award, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He has released over 40 albums, including the critically acclaimed albums My Aim Is True (1977), Armed Forces (1979), and Imperial Bedroom (1982). He has also collaborated with artists such as Paul McCartney, The Pogues, and Burt Bacharach.
| Name | Elvis Costello |
| Genre | Rock, New Wave, Pub Rock |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Trumpet |
| Labels | Stiff Records, Columbia Records, F-Beat Records |
| Date of Birth | 25 August 1954 |
10 Best Elvis Costello Quotes
“I don’t really think in terms of artistic legacy but I can tell you that I’m as proud of the latest song as I am of any I’ve ever written.”
– Elvis Costello, from The Guardian
“I have always been most interested in the truth that lies between the black and white.”
– Elvis Costello, from Rolling Stone
“If there’s a kind of grand ambition that I’ve had since the beginning, it’s to make the kind of records that are full of surprises.”
– Elvis Costello, from The New York Times
“I have no real ambition to do anything other than to make music and to do it with a sense of freedom and joy.”
– Elvis Costello, from The Guardian
“That’s why I’m still here. Otherwise I would have given up a long time ago.”
– Elvis Costello, from The Guardian
“Songs can move in directions that you don’t necessarily expect.”
– Elvis Costello, from The Guardian
“My own music has been a vehicle to express some of the more difficult questions in life.”
– Elvis Costello, from The Guardian
“I think the greatest mistake that people can make is to think that something is finished.”
– Elvis Costello, from The Independent
“The anthem is the last refuge of a scoundrel.”
– Elvis Costello, from NPR
“I’m not sure if I’m an optimist, but I’m not a fatalist.”
– Elvis Costello, from Spin
8 Inspirational Elvis Costello Quotes
“I think a lot of people don’t know the difference between being an entertainer and being an artist.”
– Elvis Costello, from NPR
“I like to believe that I’m a songwriter, and that I’m an entertainer, and that I’m an artist.”
– Elvis Costello, from NPR
“I think the most important thing is to make a statement, to make yourself heard.”
– Elvis Costello, from Forbes
“I just wanted to make something that lasted longer than the length of a pop song.”
– Elvis Costello, from The Guardian
“I always try to work hard and do the best I can do, no matter what I’m doing.”
– Elvis Costello, from Rolling Stone
“I’m really a writer first, and a singer second.”
– Elvis Costello, from Rolling Stone
“I’ve always been an artist that’s interested in pushing the boundaries.”
– Elvis Costello, from The Guardian
“I’m someone who believes in making the most of a moment.”
– Elvis Costello, from The Guardian
8 Famous Elvis Costello Quotes
“I wanted to be an artist and I wanted to make music and I wanted to write songs and I wanted it to reach people, by whatever means possible”
– Elvis Costello, from Grammys.com
“What I’m interested in is making something that will last”
– Elvis Costello, from Rolling Stone
“I’ve never been able to sit down and write a hit”
– Elvis Costello, from The Independent
“You can learn technique, but you’ve got to have something of your own”
– Elvis Costello, from The Guardian
“I think that the most important thing to do is maintain standards and never be satisfied”
– Elvis Costello, from The Telegraph
“I think people have to be aware that it’s possible to communicate in an interesting way”
– Elvis Costello, from Harp Magazine
“The greatest thing about any kind of art is the way it has the power to surprise”
– Elvis Costello, from The Washington Post
“I don’t think I’ve ever made a record where I don’t feel like I’ve pushed the boundaries of my own ability”
– Elvis Costello, from The Guardian
8 Elvis Costello Quotes About Love
“Love is a very important emotion, and it’s a very powerful thing.”
– Elvis Costello, from Interview Magazine
“I think that love is a force that changes the world.”
– Elvis Costello, from The Guardian
“I’ve always had a strong sense of Romanticism about love.”
– Elvis Costello, from Interview Magazine
“Love is a very powerful emotion, and it can cause a lot of other powerful emotions.”
– Elvis Costello, from Interview Magazine
“Love can be the most beautiful thing in the world, but it can also be the most destructive.”
– Elvis Costello, from The Guardian
“Love is a great theme that always comes up in songwriting.”
– Elvis Costello, from NPR
“Love is a wonderful thing that can bring out the best in people.”
– Elvis Costello, from HuffPost
“Love can be a great teacher, if you’re willing to learn from it.”
– Elvis Costello, from Relix
8 Elvis Costello Quotes About Life
“Life is an expensive commodity. You can’t get it back.”
– Elvis Costello, from Rolling Stone
“Life is very fragile, and it’s precious, and it’s to be celebrated.”
– Elvis Costello, from The Guardian
“I think life should be a long improvisation.”
– Elvis Costello, from Vulture
“Life is a somewhat erratic journey, and there are highs and lows.”
– Elvis Costello, from Rolling Stone
“Life is a real adventure and you have to take some chances if you’re going to have any fun.”
– Elvis Costello, from The Guardian
“Life is a matter of making choices, and the choices you make can be liberating or they can be quite restrictive.”
– Elvis Costello, from The Guardian
“Life is full of surprises, and you can’t plan for the future.”
– Elvis Costello, from NPR
“Life can be a solitary business and it can be a joyous business.”
– Elvis Costello, from Rolling Stone
6 Quotes About Elvis Costello
“He’s got something to say and he’s not afraid to say it.”
– Bruce Springsteen, from Rolling Stone
“Elvis Costello is an impassioned and passionate artist, a great lyricist and an inventive songwriter.”
– Paul McCartney, from Rolling Stone
“Elvis Costello is a songwriter of such power and insight that he comes across as a national treasure.”
– Bono, from Rolling Stone
“He is a master craftsman, a master artist.”
– Bob Dylan, from Rolling Stone
“He’s one of the most unique and important English songwriters of the last 30 years.”
– Pete Townshend, from Rolling Stone
“He’s a great writer, and he’s got a great sense of humor, a great attitude.”
– Neil Young, from Rolling Stone
Interview with Elvis Costello
Frequently Asked Questions About Elvis Costello
1. What is Elvis Costello’s most famous quote?
Elvis Costello is a beloved British musician known for his lyrical masterpieces and witty remarks about life. He is one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, and his quotes have become iconic.
Some of Elvis Costello’s most famous quotes include:
- “The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.”
- “I’d rather have a full bottle in front of me than a full frontal lobotomy.”
- “I’m not going to be one of those songwriters who looks back on their life and says, ‘Oh, I should have done this and that.’ I want to do it all now.”
- “Music is a great way to express yourself and challenge the status quo.”
- “The most important thing is to be true to yourself and to never give up.”
Perhaps his most famous quote of all, however, is “Writing about music is like dancing about architecture.” This quote encapsulates his views on art and creativity, and is often quoted by other musicians and artists.
2. Where did Elvis Costello originate from?
Elvis Costello is an English singer-songwriter who was born Declan Patrick MacManus in London, England on August 25, 1954. He was raised in Liverpool, England, where his father, Ross MacManus, was a musician and bandleader. His mother, Lilian Alda (née Seforini), was a jazz singer.
Costello began playing music in the early 1970s, forming his first band, Flip City, in 1972. He released his debut solo album, My Aim Is True, in 1977. His career has spanned over four decades and included collaborations with artists such as Paul McCartney, The Pogues, Burt Bacharach, and The Roots. He has released over 40 studio albums and has won multiple awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album for his work on Secret, Profane & Sugarcane (2009).
3. What is the most popular Elvis Costello song?
Elvis Costello has had a long and storied career, with numerous singles and albums becoming fan favorites over the years. One song in particular stands out as an all-time classic: “Veronica”. Released in 1989, the song was a hit in the US and UK, charting at #17 and #3 respectively. It has since become a staple of Costello’s live shows, and remains one of his most beloved songs.
Other popular Elvis Costello songs include:
- “Alison”
- “Pump It Up”
- “Radio Radio”
- “Everyday I Write the Book”
- “Oliver’s Army”
- “I Can’t Stand Up For Falling Down”
- “Peace, Love and Understanding”
- “Accidents Will Happen”
- “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding”
No matter what your personal favorite Elvis Costello song may be, it’s clear that “Veronica” is the most popular of his tunes. It’s a classic that still holds up to this day and will continue to be a favorite of Costello fans for years to come.
4. What is Elvis Costello’s Real Name?
Elvis Costello is a singer and songwriter who has been a major figure in the punk and new wave music movements of the 1970s and 1980s. His real name is Declan Patrick MacManus. He adopted the stage name “Elvis Costello” when he began his musical career.
Costello was born in London, England, to parents of Irish descent. He began playing guitar at the age of 13 and eventually attended a music college in Liverpool, England. He released his first single in 1977 and released his debut album “My Aim Is True” in 1978.
Since then, Costello has gone on to release more than 30 albums. He has also been inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and he has won several Grammy Awards.
Costello’s real name has been a source of intrigue since he began his career. Many people have asked, “What is Elvis Costello’s real name?” The answer is Declan Patrick MacManus.
5. What genre of music does Elvis Costello primarily play?
Elvis Costello is known for his unique blend of rock, pop, jazz, country, and punk music. He has been described as a “musical omnivore” for his ability to mix various music styles and genres. Costello typically combines elements of rock and pop with jazz, country, and punk for his signature sound.
Some of his most recognizable work includes the songs “Alison”, “Pump It Up”, and “Veronica”, which all feature his signature blend of genres. He has also released several country-flavored albums, including Almost Blue and the Grammy-nominated Secret, Profane and Sugarcane.
Costello’s primary genre of music is a blend of rock, pop, jazz, country, and punk. Here’s a list of genres he typically incorporates into his music:
- Rock
- Pop
- Jazz
- Country
- Punk
Conclusion
In conclusion, Elvis Costello is a musician and songwriter whose work has inspired and influenced countless generations of music fans. His music has been able to capture the raw emotion of life and express it in ways that many can relate to. He has created a musical legacy that will live on for years to come, and his quotes are a testament to the power of his words. Whether it’s a line about love, life, or music, Elvis Costello’s words have the ability to touch hearts, motivate minds, and inspire listeners.
