Elliott Smith: Oscar-Nominated Indie Singer-Songwriter Dies at 34

Elliott Smith was an American singer-songwriter known for his intimate, melodic songs. Born Steven Paul Smith on August 6, 1969, in Omaha, Nebraska, he started in the Portland band Heatmiser.

Smith began a solo career in 1994 and released the albums XO (1998) and Figure 8 (2000). His song "Miss Misery" from the film Good Will Hunting earned an Academy Award nomination. His cover of the Beatles' "Because" appeared in American Beauty.

He died at his home in Los Angeles on October 21, 2003, at age 34, from two stab wounds to the chest. The coroner could not determine whether they were self-inflicted. The album From a Basement on the Hill was released posthumously in 2004. If you or someone you know needs help, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available in the U.S.

Achievements: Academy Award nomination for "Miss Misery" (1998), XO (1998).

Birth: August 6, 1969 - Omaha, Nebraska.

Profession: Singer-songwriter.

Interesting Facts: He went by Elliott instead of Steven because "Steve" sounded like a jock name to him.