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elliott smith
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Folk-punk singer/songwriter Elliott Smith rose from indie obscurity to mainstream success in 1997 on the strength of "Miss Misery," his Academy Award-nominated song from the film Good Will Hunting. A native of Portland, OR, Smith began writing and recording his first songs at age 14, later becoming a fixture of the city's thriving music scene; as a member of the band Heatmiser, he debuted in 1993 with the LP Dead Air, issuing his first solo effort Roman Candle on the tiny Cavity Search label a year later. For his 1995 self-titled album, Smith signed with the noted Kill Rock Stars label; Either/Or followed in 1997, around the same time that filmmaker and longtime fan Gus Van Sant requested permission to use the singer's music in his upcoming Good Will Hunting. Smith also composed a handful of new songs for the soundtrack, among them "Miss Misery," and when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced its Oscar nominations the following February, the track was a surprise entry in the Best Original Song category. Although he did not win, Smith performed the song live at the televised Oscar broadcast, appearing on-stage alongside superstars Trisha Yearwood and eventual award-winner Celine Dion in one of the most notably surreal musical moments in recent memory. Smith's DreamWorks label debut, XO, followed later in 1998. Two years later he delivered Figure 8, which indulged in lush arrangements and orchestrations more so than any of his previous solo efforts. For the next two years, Smith labored over what was to be his next album, From a Basement on a Hill. He would not live to see its completion, however -- to the shock of friends and fans alike, Smith's body was found on October 21, 2003. To date, the coroner has been unable to determine the cause of death, and the Los Angeles Police Department's investigation remains open. From a Basement on a Hill was released two days shy of the first anniversary of his death to critical acclaim. In 2007, Kill Rock Stars issued a two-disc set of some of the late singer's unreleased work, all of which had been recorded between 1994 and 1997. Entitled New Moon, the 24-track collection contained three songs that had been previously released on hard-to-find compilations or soundtracks, an early version of "Miss Misery," and a live favorite of his, a cover of Big Star's "Thirteen." ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music GuideMore

Official Profile

elliott smith
On May 8, 2007, Kill Rock Stars will release a double CD of music by Elliott Smith entitled New Moon...
Songs: 32, Videos: 0, Playlists: 1, Blog Posts: 0, Polls: 0, Battles: 0

Most Popular Music Videos (2)

Baby Britain
(Duration: 3:08)
Jul 15th, 4:50am
Son Of Sam
(Duration: 3:06)
Jul 15th, 4:53am
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Fan Comments

May 12th, 8:39am
His each song has become a remedi to me. Shame that he couldn't sing anymore but I hope he is okay up there..
Jan 10th, 12:22am
I Don't Think I'm Ever Gonna Figure It Out is on an ep its on itunes
Aug 1st, 9:13am
Hi guys
Thought you might like to come and check our site out. We're big fans of Elliot Smith, along with Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, Ben Gibbard, etc. We've recently signed to One Little Indian and are sticking out our debut single and album on them in the coming months. Thought we might be just what you were looking for!

Thanks!
http://www.imeem.com/tanaou
http://www.myspace.com/tanaoumusic
Jul 17th, 12:00am
he rocks!!!
Jul 14th, 8:28pm
I searched everywhere and i can't find the song I Don't Think I'm Ever Gonna Figure It Out
Jun 20th, 11:50am
please, give some full songs - let's people can listnen, what you created!
Apr 7th, 10:54pm
we love Elliott Smith!
Jan 18th, 5:58pm
Elliot smith, you are such an inspiration in my life. R.I.P.
Nov 7th, 11:54pm
Whoever killed him needs to pay...I want to know