Born Shirley Ann Manson August 26, 1966, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. Manson is best known as the vocalist for the band Garbage.

Manson began her musical career in the early 1980’s, performing with the local Edinburgh band Goodbye Mr. Mackenzie. Later she was a featured performer with Angle Fish, which caught the attention of members of Garbage and Butch Vig. As a result of Vig seeing their video on MTV, Manson was invited to record with the band.

Shirley’s childhood was plagued with taunts from her classmates of bloodhound and frog eye, because of her bright red hair and green eyes. As a result, she suffered immensely and found herself reluctant to leave home without some sort of make-up or covering. She described her feelings as a child, “The truth is I’ve always been wracked with self loathing and terrible paralyzing depression.”

Manson’s depression grew steadily over the years, resulting in violent behavior and bouts of intense withdrawal. In this state of depression she turned to music as an escape and found acceptance. A regular fixture in local clubs, she quickly became friends with musicians which eventually landed her singing jobs.

In 1995 Garbage released their debut self titled album to critical acclaim. The album sold over eight million copies world wide catapulting the band into the lime light.

Manson also enjoys a successful acting career, cast as Catherine Weaver on Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. When asked about her preference for boxers or briefs, Manson defiantly rejects the ball huggers for something, “a little more loose, just like my men,” or nothing at all.

Born Declan Patrick MacManus, August 25, 1954, Paddington, London, UK. Better known as Elvis Costello, this British writer/musician road the new wave to mega-stardom in the 1980’s.

Costello’s father was a jazz musician and on many occasions gave his son copies of the latest album releases. His son’s musical interest was sparked by his love of Motown and artist such as the Beatles, the Kinks and the Who.

In 1974, MacManus moved to London and became front man for a country rock band called Flip City. As an aspiring songwriter, he began recording demos for British record labels. Stiff Records, a label focused on the burgeoning punk and new wave scene gave him his first break. It was there he met Nick Lowe, who become his longtime collaborator and Jake Riviera, who would become his manager. Riviera came up with the idea to change his name and Elvis Costello was born. Elvis was chosen in part as a thumb at the establishment and Costello was his mother’s maiden name.

Costello was given one day to record his first album. Backed by an American country band named Clover, the sessions yielded the singles, Less Than Zero and Alison. Ever intent on securing his musical future, Costello took his guitar and amp to the entryway of the London Hilton where CBS Records was holding an International Convention and proceeded to play. Not only was he was arrested, but Costello also landed a record deal and as they say the rest is history.

Costello has been hailed as one of the forerunners of the modern new wave movement. His musical phrasing, social commentary, introspective lyrics and eclectic ideas have garnered him the respect and admiration of fellow musician’s world wide and won critical acclaim.

On an interesting note, after graduating high school Costello landed a job as a computer operator. His duties placed an immense amount of strain on his eyes resulting in the need for his now trademark glasses.

Happy Birthday Elvis

Born Richard Lewis Springthorpe August 23, 1949, Sydney, Australia. Better known as Rick Springfield, this Aussie actor/musician is best known for his mega-hit Jesse’s Girl and his role as General Hospital’s, Noah Drake.

In 1981 Springfield ruled the pop airwaves with his Grammy winning, Jesse’s Girl. Rick hit the charts at the perfect time, scoring massive play on the new video network, MTV.

It would be pretty easy to look at Springfield’s acting career and think, he had become an overnight music success, but nothing was further from the truth. Rick worked from 1967, when he dropped out of high school until 1981 when he released, Working Class Dog to achieve world-wide success. He had toured Vietnam and Australia and released his number one Aussie hit, Speak to the Sky.

At the age of 22 he relocated to Los Angeles recording his first album, Beginnings featuring the re-released single Speak the Sky. He released two more albums, Behind the Image and Wait for Night before Working Class Dog hit the charts.

Springfield continues to record and tour and has just released Venus in Overdrive, featuring the single, What’s Victoria’s Secret. He currently has a recurring role as Dr. Noah Drake and a new character, Eli Love on General Hospital.