Elliott Smith

Elliott smith was born in Omaha Nebraska on August 6 1969. His real name was Steven paul smith. His dad was in medical school when he was born. His mom was an elemantary school teacher. His parents devorced when he was a year old, he moved with his mom to Dallas Texas. His father was drafted to the US airforce as a physician. later his father moved to LA. They both re-married by the time Elliott was five. His dad and stepmom moved to Potland Oregon. From age five to thirteen Elliott lived with his mom, stepdad and two half siblings. When he was fourteen he moved to Portland with his dad, stepmom and two half sisters. He started writing and recording songs at home on a four track recorder. He went to Lincoln high school and graduated in 1987. He was a national merit finalist. In high school was when he chenged his name to elliott. He also started his first band "stranger then fiction". He went to Hampshire state college and graduated in 1991 with a major in politicial philosophy. He moved back to Prtland and fromed a new band called "heatmiser", along with Neil gust.( a close friend from college). Elliott released his first solo album "Roman Candle" in 1994. Then shortly after was "Elliott Smith" in 1995 and "Either/or" in 1997, both were issued on the influential independent label kill rock stars. He also recorded three albums with heatmiser in the early 90's. In 1997 Elliotts music was used in the movie "Good Will Hunting". Elliott wrote a few new songs fro the picture. the song "miss misery" earned an acadamy award nomination for best song. he performed it on the acadamy awards telecast on march 23 1998. Also in 1998 Elliott signed a solo deal with Dreamworks records abd quickly released "XO" his fourth solo album. In 2000 he released "figure 8", to much critical success and he toured the world as a solo acustic artist, with his band. He started writing and reworking the songs that make up "From A Basement On A Hill". In 2003 he took his own life. Everyone who listens to his music and feel they can relate and if you new him personally or not it was crushing. he was amazing as a musician and as a person. One quote should never be forgotten " dont go to far stay who you are" (album XO) He is missed.

jeff buckley, smog, pavement