The Coward Brothers The Coward Brothers Might Be Elvis Costello & T Bone Burnett (2-LP)

(New West Records) 20 tracks, gatefold cover

The exact relationship between Henry (T-Bone Burnett) and Howard Coward (Elvis Costello) remains unclear. They often referred to each other as “One and a Half Brothers”, which could allude to their size difference or mean that they weren't really siblings but were involved in an elaborate ruse.

Their musical partnership, known as The Coward Brothers, was initiated by Smiley “Doc” Snipson, who discovered Henry Coward in 1956 and signed him for a tour of the UK. The brothers' hit single, “My Baby Just Squeals (You Heel)”, was followed by less successful records and a controversial song about the Cold War. To preserve their dwindling fame, Snipson staged their supposed death in a plane crash, but they were actually hiding out on a Caribbean island, secretly recording music and sending it to Snipson. When they ran out of money, they returned to Miami and sensationally claimed to have written famous songs, which led to a brief stint as songwriters for Bill Bogguss. They later resumed recording, but their partnership eventually broke down, leading to years of estrangement. Their music, from early rock'n'roll hits to later, more introspective songs, is collected on the album The Coward Brothers.

After years of silence, their story was explored in a radio program that revealed the complexity of their relationship and their enduring bond. Despite their turbulent history, their music remains a testament to their unyielding spirit. The Coward Brothers are Elvis Costello and T-Bone Burnett. The Audible Original audio drama The True Story Of The Coward Brothers is directed by Christopher Guest and stars Howard Coward, Henry Coward, Harry Shearer, Edward Hibbert, Rhea Seehorn, Stephen Root and Kathreen Khavari.