Elvis Costello Net Worth

Elvis Costello: Net Worth, Career, Early Life, and Awards

Elvis Costello’s Net Worth

Elvis Costello, the celebrated English singer-songwriter, commands a significant presence in the music industry, reflected in his estimated net worth of $70 million. Known for his prolific career as both a solo artist and the frontman of Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Costello has left an indelible mark on the landscape of rock and new wave music. His ability to blend sharp wit, poignant storytelling, and musical versatility has solidified his status as a cultural icon. From his critically acclaimed debut album to his numerous collaborations and awards, Costello’s career is a testament to his enduring talent and appeal.

His early hits, including “Alison” (1977), “Watching the Detectives” (1977), “Pump It Up” (1978), “Everyday I Write the Book” (1983), and “Veronica” (1989), became anthems, showcasing his diverse musical styles. Beyond music, Costello has also ventured into film and television, appearing in notable productions such as “The Larry Sanders Show” (1994), “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” (1999), “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” (2006), and “30 Rock” (2009). Recognition for his contributions includes an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 and an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) appointment in 2019. His memoir, “Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink,” published in 2015, offers an intimate look into his life and career.

Early Life and Beginnings

Declan Patrick MacManus, the man who would become Elvis Costello, was born on August 25, 1954, in Paddington, London, England. His upbringing laid the foundation for his future creative endeavors. His parents, Lilian and Ross MacManus, separated when he was seven. Ross MacManus was a jazz musician, and his musical influence undoubtedly played a part in shaping Costello’s own path. In 1970, Ross had a hit with his cover version of the Beatles’ “The Long and Winding Road” under the name Day Costello, which was successful in Australia.

Costello’s educational journey included St. Edmund’s Catholic Primary School and Archbishop Myers Secondary Modern R.C. School. The family’s move to Birkenhead in 1971 led to the formation of the folk duo Rusty with Allan Mayes. After studying at Liverpool’s St. Francis Xavier’s College, Costello worked various office jobs, eventually returning to London in 1974. That same year, he formed Flip City, a band that lasted until early 1976, and co-starred in a R. White’s Lemonade commercial with his father, which won an award. He signed with the independent label Stiff Records in 1976 and, with the suggestion of his manager Jake Riviera, adopted the stage name “Elvis Costello.”

Musical Career: Albums, Collaborations, and Breakthroughs

The release of his first single, “Less Than Zero,” in March 1977, marked the beginning of Costello’s ascent. The subsequent album, “My Aim Is True,” which was released four months later, reached #14 on the UK Albums Chart. Due to initial restrictions on releasing the album outside of the U.K., Costello famously busked outside a CBS Records convention in London, which led to him securing a record deal with Columbia Records soon after. This daring move highlighted his determination and willingness to push boundaries.

The formation of the Attractions in late 1977, comprising Steve Nieve (piano), Bruce Thomas (bass), and Pete Thomas (drums), solidified his live performances and recording capabilities. A controversial performance on “Saturday Night Live” where they played “Radio Radio” instead of their agreed-upon song, “Less Than Zero,” led to a temporary ban, but it also significantly boosted Costello’s popularity, particularly in the United States. Costello followed up with the albums “This Year’s Model” (1978) and “Armed Forces” (1979), which showcased his evolution and cemented his place in the music industry. “Armed Forces” achieved Platinum status in the U.K. and Gold in the U.S.

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The 1980s saw Costello releasing a string of albums, including “Get Happy!!,” “Punch the Clock” (1983), “Goodbye Cruel World” (1984), and “Spike” (1989). His performance of the Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love” at Live Aid in 1985 and his participation in Self Aid the following year further elevated his profile. After parting ways with Columbia Records, he signed with Warner Bros., where his album “Spike” (1989) featured the U.S. hit “Veronica,” co-written with Paul McCartney. The collaboration with McCartney continued, resulting in several songs, including McCartney’s “My Brave Face” (1989) and Costello’s “So Like Candy” (1991). The 1990s also saw the release of “Brutal Youth” (1994), which achieved success in the U.K.

In 1998, Costello teamed up with Burt Bacharach on the album “Painted From Memory.” Their collaborative work included a new version of Bacharach’s “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” for “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.” Costello’s musical journey continued with appearances on “Saturday Night Live” (1999) and the release of 12 studio albums since 2001, including “When I Was Cruel” (2002) and “Wise Up Ghost” (2013), which was a collaboration with The Roots. His television presence expanded with the show “Spectacle: Elvis Costello with…” (2008-2010) and a cameo in “A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All” (2008). His diverse work also includes a performance with Cookie Monster and Elmo on “Sesame Street” in 2011. His 2018 album “Look Now,” which included co-writes with Bacharach and Carole King, won him his first Grammy. His 30th studio album, “Hey Clockface,” was released on October 30, 2020.

Personal Life and Relationships

Costello’s personal life has been as eventful as his professional one. He married Mary Burgoyne in 1974, and they had a son, Matthew. His second marriage was to Cait O’Riordan, the bassist of The Pogues, in May 1986; the couple divorced in 2002. In a later significant event, Costello married Diana Krall, the jazz singer/pianist, at Elton John’s home on December 6, 2003. They welcomed twin sons, Dexter and Frank, three years later.

Costello adopted vegetarianism after seeing the documentary “The Animals Film” in the early 1980s. He is also a dedicated fan of Premier League football, supporting Liverpool F.C. since his youth. In 2018, he had to cancel part of his European tour to recover from surgery to treat a “small but very aggressive cancerous malignancy.” Beyond music, Costello is actively involved with the Jazz Foundation of America, serving on its Board of Directors. He has been a supporter of the Foundation since 2001, performing at their annual A Great Night in Harlem benefit events.

Awards and Accolades

Throughout his career, Elvis Costello has received numerous awards and nominations, including 14 Grammy nominations, winning the Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for “Look Now” in 2020. His talent has also been recognized with an Academy Award nomination for Best Music, Original Song, for “Scarlet Tide,” from the film “Cold Mountain” in 2004. In 1992, he won a BAFTA TV Award for Best Original Television Music for “G.B.H.” The MTV Video Music Award for Best Male Video for “Veronica” in 1989 further demonstrated his influence in the music scene. For his television work, he received a Gemini Award for Best Talk Series for “Spectacle: Elvis Costello with…” in 2010. Costello has also been honored with honorary doctorate degrees in music from the University of Liverpool (2008) and the New England Conservatory (2013), underscoring his profound impact on music and culture.

Conclusion

Elvis Costello’s career is a story of artistic innovation, critical acclaim, and enduring popularity. From his early days in the punk and new wave scenes to his diverse collaborations and ventures into television and film, Costello has consistently proven himself to be a versatile and influential figure. His significant net worth reflects not only his commercial success but also his lasting impact on the world of music and beyond. His numerous awards, including a Grammy and an OBE, highlight the breadth of his achievements and his lasting contribution to music. Elvis Costello continues to be a relevant and respected artist, with a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and fans.