Elliott Smith

Elliott Smith

Elliott Smith
Birth name	Steven Paul Smith
Born	(1969-08-06)August 6, 1969 Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
Died	October 21, 2003(2003-10-21) (aged 34) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres	Indie rock, folk rock, alternative rock
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter, musician
Instrument(s)	Vocals, guitar, piano
Years active	1991–2003
Labels	Kill Rock Stars, DreamWorks Records

Elliott Smith (born Steven Paul Smith; August 6, 1969 – October 21, 2003) was an American singer-songwriter and musician. Known for his distinctively soft vocal style and melancholic lyrics, Smith's music was characterized by multi-tracked vocals and often dealt with themes of depression, addiction, and heartbreak.

Early Life

Smith was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and raised primarily in Duncanville, Texas, and later Portland, Oregon. He began playing piano at a young age and later learned to play the guitar. Smith attended Lincoln High School in Portland and graduated in 1987. He then attended Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, where he graduated with a degree in philosophy and political science.

Career

Heatmiser

In the early 1990s, Smith was a member of the alternative rock band Heatmiser, which he formed with classmate Neil Gust. The band released several albums, including Dead Air and Cop and Speeder, before disbanding in 1996.

Solo Career

Smith's solo career began in 1994 with the release of his self-titled album Roman Candle. He gained a significant following with his subsequent albums, Elliott Smith (1995) and Either/Or (1997). His song "Miss Misery," which was featured in the film Good Will Hunting, earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Song nomination in 1998.

Smith signed with DreamWorks Records and released XO in 1998 and Figure 8 in 2000. Both albums received critical acclaim and expanded his fan base.

Later Years and Death

Smith struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues throughout his life. He continued to work on music, and his final album, From a Basement on the Hill, was released posthumously in 2004. Smith died on October 21, 2003, in Los Angeles, California, from two stab wounds to the chest. The circumstances surrounding his death remain controversial, with the official cause listed as "undetermined."

Legacy

Elliott Smith's music continues to influence a wide range of artists and musicians. His work is celebrated for its emotional depth and intricate musical arrangements. Annual tributes and covers of his songs are common, and his albums remain popular among fans of indie and alternative music.

Discography

• Roman Candle (1994)
• Elliott Smith (1995)
• Either/Or (1997)
• XO (1998)
• Figure 8 (2000)
• From a Basement on the Hill (2004)

See Also

• List of alternative rock artists
• List of singer-songwriters