Elliott Smith

Biography

Steven Paul "Elliott" Smith (August 6, 1969 – October 21, 2003) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician. Smith was born in Omaha, Nebraska, raised primarily in Texas, and lived for much of his life in Portland, Oregon, where he first gained popularity. Smith's primary instrument was the guitar, though he was also proficient with piano, clarinet, bass guitar, drums, and harmonica. Smith had a distinctive vocal style, characterized by his "whispery, spiderweb-thin delivery", and used multi-tracking to create vocal layers, textures, and harmonies. Smith died on October 21, 2003 at the age of 34 from two stab wounds to the chest. A possible suicide note, written on a Post-it note, read: "I'm so sorry—love, Elliott. God forgive me."

Known For

Saturday Night Live

The Oscars

Southlander: Diary of a Desperate Musician

Heaven Adores You

The Road to Ruane

Lucky Three: An Elliott Smith Portrait

Untitled Modest Mouse Documentary

Strange Parallel

All Movies (15)

• The Road to Ruane2024 · as Self
• Heaven Adores You2014 · as Self (archive footage)
• Searching for Elliott Smith2009 · as Self (archive footage)
• Elliott's Suicide2007 · as Self (archive footage)
• Elliott Smith - Olympia, Washington2004
• Elliott Smith live at Redfest2003 · as Himself
• Southlander: Diary of a Desperate Musician2001 · as Bus Driver
• Elliott Smith: Live at Bumbershoot Festival 20002000 · as Self - Vocals, Guitar
• Elliott Smith: Live at Fuji Rock2000
• Elliott Smith: Live at the Yo Yo a Go Go Festival1999
• The Jon Brion Show1999 · as Himself
• Strange Parallel1998 · as Self
• Lucky Three: An Elliott Smith Portrait1997 · as Self
• Untitled Modest Mouse Documentary1997 · as Himself
• Elliott Smith Live at the Steamboat— · as Self

All TV Shows (2)

• Saturday Night Live1975 · as Self - Musical Guest
• The Oscars1953 · as Self