Elliott Smith

Elliott Smith Artistfacts

  • August 6, 1969 - October 21, 2003
  • In 2003, he died of stab wounds to the chest, possibly self-inflicted.
  • Smith was in 2 Rock bands (Stranger than Fiction, Heatmiser) before settling into the Folk Rock that earned him fame.
  • He was nominated for an Oscar for his song "Miss Misery." He lost to Celine Dion.
  • His real name is Steve Smith. He changed it in high school when he moved to Portland, Oregon.
  • He went to school in Massachusetts, where he wrote a lot of his songs.
  • On most of his songs, he played all the instruments.
  • For a time, he was the boyfriend of Joanna Bolme, bassist of Calamity Jane.
  • He played defensive back for his high school football team. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Andrew - Orlando, FL, for all above
  • He claimed his full name to be Elliott Stillwater Otter Smith during his years with Stranger Than Fiction. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    tj chamberlin - Fishers, IN
  • Two albums of all-new material have been issued since his death. In 2004 From A Basement On The Hill, which was nearly finished before Smith's death, was issued, and in 2007 the compilation New Moon was released.
  • His parents divorced when he was one year old. He began playing acoustic guitar at age 10, and at age 14 he began recording songs on a tape recorder. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bertrand - Paris, France, for above 2

Comments: 2

  • Ryan from Salt Lake City, UtThe new will Farrell movie coming out has the same name as Elliott's high school band. Coincidence?
  • Tom from East Lyme, CtI can see how popular Elliott Smith is!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Daniel Lanois

Daniel LanoisSongwriter Interviews

Daniel Lanois on his album Heavy Sun, and the inside stories of songs he produced for U2, Peter Gabriel, and Bob Dylan.

Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders

Chrissie Hynde of The PretendersSongwriter Interviews

The rock revolutionist on songwriting, quitting smoking, and what she thinks of Rush Limbaugh using her song.

70s Music Quiz 1

70s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

The '70s gave us Muppets, disco and Van Halen, all which show up in this groovy quiz.

Richie McDonald of Lonestar

Richie McDonald of LonestarSongwriter Interviews

Richie talks about the impact of "Amazed," and how his 4-year-old son inspired another Lonestar hit.

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.