On this day: March 26, 1977

Declan P. McManus, more commonly known as Elvis Costello released his first single on March 26, 1977. The single was titled Less than Zero, and it failed to chart.

Costello was an unknown in the music industry, but he grew board with his day job and sent a tape of his music to the new independent label Stiff Records. Producers could hear an obvious talent, and signed Costello right away.

Soon after, he released two other songs which fared better; Alison (My Aim is True), and (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes. Costello soon gained the attention of the music press and fans alike.

Other notable events for March 26:
-Three versions of Let Me Go Lover, by Dean Martin, Teresa Brewer, and Ruby Murray, all placed in the top 10 UK singles chart on March 26, 1955
-The Police, currently at the height of their fame on March 26, 1980, played a one-off show in Bombay, India. They were the first western pop group to do so in 10 years