Elliott Smith

As a Portland, Oregon native, Elliott Smith was born in Dallas, Texas. As a member of the alternative rock band Heatmiser, Elliott realized that he would be better off and more sucessful solo.

After Heatmiser broke up in 1996, Elliott took off and went on over to Brooklyn. At that time he had five of his own songs on the major motion picture Good Will Hunting (directed by long-time fan Gus Van Vant). Elliott Smith was becoming a common name because of his song "Miss Misery" which was one of the featured songs and was nominated for an Oscar for "Best Original Song". Elliott performed live but sadly, did not recieve the Oscar. Although he did not recieve an Oscar he did recieve many record deals that later lead up to signing on with DreamWorks Records.

Before the Good Will Hunting scene was brought into Elliott's life, he had already released two c.d.'s, Roman Candle and Elliot Smith (self titled). Roman Candle was released under Cavity Search Records (1994),a bittersweet, tuneful arrangement with Elliott whispering his way through the speakers to your head about daily life with his introspective lyrics and folk style. Elliott Smith (Kill Rock Sars, 1995) was a emotional acoustics and lyrics with a new style of folk and indie music. When the success of Miss Misery hit, Elliott released a new album, Eithor/Or, again under Kill Rock Stars, in 1997 with Elliott doing what he does best. Shortly after in 1998 DreamWorks issued Elliott's next album, XO. This was a very stunning, beautiful arrangement of music and even landed on a few top ten album's of the year. Again in 2000 DreamWorks issued another album Figure Eight, with poetic and delicate arrangements.

Elliott Smith is my hero because he is a genius and because of all that he has accomplished and done. He has inspired me to develop my own musical talents. To think of how far he has come and all he has done gives me so much hope. If I could say anything to him I would say thank you for teaching me so much. You're a genius!!