The song 'Riot Act' is, perhaps, the most blatant reference to the incident. The three were downing drinks in an Ohio bar when Costello referred to James Brown as a 'jive ass nigger,' then proclaimed that Ray Charles was a 'blind, ignorant nigger.' The eccentric Costello later issued an apology but, despite Costello's public apology, many critics argue that Get Happy was Costello's way of reconciling the unfortunate event. But Costello, with a wide interest in varying genres, wisely transitioned to a less country approach in his fourth album, Get Happy (1980).Ĭostello's personal life greatly influenced his music-his second album, Armed Forces, was a meditation on his turbulent relationship with former Playboy model, Bebe Buell and some critics speculate that Get Happy was Costello's response to an unfortunate incident that occurred one drunken evening with musicians Stephen Stills and Bonnie Bramlett. With pianist Steve Nieve, bassist Bruce Thomas, and guitarist Pete Thomas, the Attractions juxtaposed rockabilly instrumentals against Costello's deeply intelligent lyrics. Shortly after the release of My Aim is True, Costello launched the Attractions, the band that would accompany his solo act. One of the album's many break out hits, 'Alison,' showcased Elvis Costello's layered lyrics, strained vocals, and knee-slapping rhythms.

Before Costello recorded the album in a mere 24-hour period he sent the demo to, then, nascent Stiff Records where musician Nick Lowe, who was signed to the label as an artist and roved as a producer, vouched for Costello's talent. Georgie Fame's soulful voice and bluesy vibe wail throughout Costello's earlier music, which has been dubbed 'cerebral,' 'manic,' and 'sophisticated.' His sophistication was what distinguished him from his punk contemporaries during the onset of his career, in the late '70s.Ĭostello was working as a data entry clerk at the prestigious Elizabeth Arden after a series of failed pitches to record companies when he began writing the tracks for what would be his first album, My Aim is True (1977).

Elvis Costello expressed an interest in music early into his youth when, at age nine, he purchased of his first album, Georgie Fame's EP Fame At Last. His grandfather and father both sang and the latter inspired MacManus to adopt the stage name 'Costello'-MacManus' father performed under the name Day Costello.

Elvis Costello was born into a musical family. While many can identify the thick-rimmed glasses and warm smirk that belong to Elvis Costello, few can name the British-songwriter's actual identity: Declan MacManus.

Bebe buell and elvis costello