With 33 albums and dozens of hit songs, Elvis Costello is considered one of the most versatile and intelligent songwriters and performers of his generation.  This is the story of his career.  The film begins with Costello’s childhood under the influence of his father, a singer with a popular dance band.  It moves on to Costello’s overnight success as Elvis Costello and the attractions and subsequent disenchantment with the formatted pressures of the music business.  A disillusionment which led Costello to re-invent himself a number of times.  Featuring interviews with Costello in Liverpool, London and New York, the songwriter talks at great length about his career, song-writing and music, and often breaks into song with examples from his repertoire.  Particular focus is given to Costello’s collaborations with Burt Bacharach, Allen Toussaint and Paul McCartney and the film includes exclusive unreleased demos of songs written by Costello and McCartney.  The film also includes photographic material, documentary and performance archive featuring Costello with his own bands and in collaboration with a range of other artists, including Brodsky Quartet, Kris Kristofferson and Roseanne Cash.

 

Premieres Friday, April 10th at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT)