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

as Self - Musical Guest

The Oscars

as Self

Heaven Adores You

as Self (archive footage)

Lucky Three: An Elliott Smith Portrait

as Self

Strange Parallel

as Self

Southlander: Diary of a Desperate Musician

as Bus Driver

Elliott Smith: Live at Bumbershoot Festival 2000

as Self - Vocals, Guitar

Elliott Smith Live at the Steamboat

as Self

Untitled Modest Mouse Documentary

as Himself

The Jon Brion Show

as Himself