1 definition by cara Lane
Born August 6, 1969, a talented singer-songwriter with roots in Portland, Oregon. Smith's career peaked in the late 90s, particularly with his Oscar nomination for the song "Miss Misery", featured in the film Good Will Hunting. His music is known to be somewhat depressing, often reflecting Smith's depression, alcohol and drug addiction, as well as abuse (and possible molestation) as a child. His work has influence countless numbers of artists and continues to do so today, his most popular songs being "Waltz, No. 2", "Memory Lane", "Miss Misery", "Angeles", "Between the Bars", and "Son of Sam". He was known for singing (and speaking) in a quiet, toned-down voice, and often underestimated the beauty and quality of his own work, saying once, "I'm not sure my songs would make good singles. Aren't you supposed to have drums and stuff?"
He released 5 albums in his lifetime, as well one posthumous record, From a Basement on the Hill, which was not fully complete at the time of his death in 2003. All of his work was released to much critical acclaim, particularly the albums Figure 8 and Either/Or.
On October 21, 2003 Elliott was pronounced dead due to a knife wound through his chest. He spent much of his life battling substance abuse and depression, which led many to believe the wound was self-inflicted. A note was left, as well, but due to what could be seen as defense wounds, his death was never officially declared a suicide. His girlfriend, Jennifer Chiba, was present at the time of his death, as the two were in the midst of an arguement. She stated that she ran into the bathrom and locked the door when she heard a scream. When she came out, Elliott was standing with the knife in his chest, which Chiba claims she pulled out. However police have considered that she may have been more involved in his death than she has stated. The investigation is ongoing, even though practically no new evidence has come to light since 2003.
Discography:
Roman Candle (July 14, 1994)
Elliott Smith (July 21, 1995)
Either/Or (February 25, 1997)
XO (August 25, 1998)
Figure 8 (April 18, 2000)
From a Basement on the Hill (October 19, 2004)
He released 5 albums in his lifetime, as well one posthumous record, From a Basement on the Hill, which was not fully complete at the time of his death in 2003. All of his work was released to much critical acclaim, particularly the albums Figure 8 and Either/Or.
On October 21, 2003 Elliott was pronounced dead due to a knife wound through his chest. He spent much of his life battling substance abuse and depression, which led many to believe the wound was self-inflicted. A note was left, as well, but due to what could be seen as defense wounds, his death was never officially declared a suicide. His girlfriend, Jennifer Chiba, was present at the time of his death, as the two were in the midst of an arguement. She stated that she ran into the bathrom and locked the door when she heard a scream. When she came out, Elliott was standing with the knife in his chest, which Chiba claims she pulled out. However police have considered that she may have been more involved in his death than she has stated. The investigation is ongoing, even though practically no new evidence has come to light since 2003.
Discography:
Roman Candle (July 14, 1994)
Elliott Smith (July 21, 1995)
Either/Or (February 25, 1997)
XO (August 25, 1998)
Figure 8 (April 18, 2000)
From a Basement on the Hill (October 19, 2004)
by cara Lane September 30, 2006