Who Is Elliott Smith? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Elliott Smith, born on August 6, 1969, was a celebrated American musician renowned for his poignant lyrics and unique sound that blended elements of folk and rock. Tragically, he passed away on October 21, 2003, leaving behind a powerful musical legacy. Today, in 2025, he would have turned 56 years old. His work continues to influence artists around the world, and his songs resonate with fans who appreciate heartfelt storytelling and raw emotion.
For more detailed biographical information, you can visit his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Rock Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 6, 1969 |
| Age | 34 Years |
| Birth Place | Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 21 October, 2003 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Elliott Smith's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Elliott Smith was known for his slender physique. Although exact measurements are not extensively documented, it is estimated that he stood around 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall and weighed approximately 150 pounds (68 kg). His understated presence complemented his introspective music style.
A heavy drinker and drug user, Smith was also diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression. His struggle with drugs and mental illness affected his life and work, and often appeared in his lyrics. He died at his Los Angeles home from two stab wounds to the chest at age 34 in 2003.
The autopsy evidence did not determine whether the wounds were self-inflicted. At the time of his death, Smith was working on his album From a Basement on the Hill, posthumously produced and released in 2004.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Elliott Smith had a complex personal life characterized by various relationships and deep emotional ties. There were notable relationships during his lifetime, but his struggles with anxiety and addiction often complicated his romantic endeavors. He was in a lengthy relationship with fellow musician Mary Lou Lord, and his music was often inspired by his relationships. Currently, in 2025, the focus remains on celebrating his artistic contributions rather than personal relationships, as he tragically passed away at a young age.
His parents divorced when he was six months old, and Smith moved with his mother to Duncanville, Texas. He had half-siblings through his mother, Darren Welch and Ashley Welch, and a half-sister Rachel Smith through his father.
Smith later had a tattoo of a map of Texas drawn on his upper arm and said: "I didn't get it because I like Texas, kind of the opposite. But I won't forget about it, although I'm tempted to because I don't like it there."
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Elliott Smith's net worth was estimated to be around $5 million, largely attributed to his successful music career, including bestselling albums such as Either/Or and XO. While he may not have achieved the mainstream success of some contemporaries during his life, his posthumous recognition has led to increased sales of his music and a resurgence of interest in his work, further solidifying his financial legacy within the music industry.
In 2005, a tribute album, A Tribute to Elliott Smith, was released. It featured various bands performing tributes to Smith. On May 8, 2007, a posthumous compilation album New Moon, was released by Kill Rock Stars.
It contained 24 songs recorded by Smith between 1994 and 1997 during his tenure with the label, songs that were not included on albums, as well as a few early versions and previously released B-sides. In the United States, the album debuted at number 24 on the Billboard 200, selling about 24,000 copies in its first week.
The record received favorable reviews and was Metacritic's 15th best-reviewed album of 2007. A portion of the proceeds from album sales were to go to Outside In, a social service agency for low-income adults and homeless youth in Portland, Oregon.
Career, Business, and Investments
Elliott Smith’s career began in the early 1990s, and he quickly gained recognition for his emotional and introspective songwriting. He released several acclaimed albums, including Roman Candles, Either/Or, and Figure 8, which showcased his talent and established him as a major figure in the indie music scene. His music often addressed themes of love, addiction, and personal struggles, which resonated deeply with fans.
Despite his untimely death, his music is continually rediscovered by new generations, and his influence is evident in the work of many artists today. Posthumous releases, film soundtracks, and tributes have kept his spirit alive, ensuring that his musical legacy continues to thrive.
Steven Paul Smith (August 6, 1969 – October 21, 2003), known as Elliott Smith, was an American musician and singer-songwriter. Smith's primary instrument was the guitar, though he also played piano, clarinet, bass guitar, drums, and harmonica.
He had a distinctive vocal style in his solo career after Heatmiser, characterized by his "whispery, spiderweb-thin delivery", and often used multi-tracking to create vocal layers, textures, and harmonies that were usually finger picked and recorded with tape.
Social Network
Elliott Smith might not have been prominent on social media platforms during his life, as they were not as widespread. However, in 2025, he is remembered through various fan pages and music platforms where fans share their love for his work. His music is celebrated across platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, where his haunting melodies and lyrics continue to touch millions.
Smith said: "I thought my head would be chopped off immediately when it came out because at the time it was so opposite to the grunge thing that was popular ...
The thing is that album was really well received, which was a total shock, and it immediately eclipsed [Heatmiser], unfortunately." Smith felt his solo songs were not representative of the music Heatmiser was making: "The idea of playing [my music] for people didn't occur to me ...
because at the time it was the Northwest—Mudhoney and Nirvana—and going out to play an acoustic show was like crawling out on a limb and begging for it to be sawed off."
Education
Elliott Smith graduated from Hampshire College in Massachusetts, where he studied philosophy, which influenced his worldview and songwriting. His education played a crucial role in shaping his unique lyrical style and perspective on life and art. This academic background contributed to the depth and complexity found in his music, allowing him to connect with fans on a profound level.
While at Hampshire College, Smith formed the band Heatmiser with classmate Neil Gust. After Smith graduated from Hampshire, the band added drummer Tony Lash and bassist Brandt Peterson and began performing around Portland in 1992. The group released the albums Dead Air (1993) and Cop and Speeder (1994), as well as the Yellow No.
5 EP (1994) on Frontier Records. They were then signed to Virgin Records to release what became their final album Mic City Sons (1996).
