Elliott Smith

Elliott Smith (August 6, 1969 – October 21, 2003) was an American songwriter and musician from Portland, Oregon who rose to prominence when his song "Miss Misery" from the Good Will Hunting soundtrack was nominated for an Oscar in the best original song category in 1998.

Biography

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Born Steven Paul Smith in Omaha, Nebraska, Smith learned to play both the piano and guitar as a child and wrote his first song when he was 13. He began calling himself Elliott in college, since Steve sounded too much like a jock. No one is quite sure why he chose "Elliott." Some speculate it was named after a street in Portland, some say it was the brainchild of his girlfriend at the time, and was the last name of her ex-boyfriend. Elliott is spelled with two "t"s like the last name. Smith graduated from Hampshire College with a degree in philosophy and political science before joining a Portland band called Heatmiser. He recorded three solo albums on independent labels and two more on DreamWorks Records.

Related Topics:
Omaha, Nebraska - Hampshire College - Heatmiser - DreamWorks Records

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