Elliott Smith's Real Name: Steven Paul Smith
Elliott Smith → Steven Paul Smith
Quick answer: The musician was known professionally as Elliott Smith. The Guardian gives the name Steven Paul Smith and, with AllMusic, places the birth on August 6, 1969, in Omaha, Nebraska, and the death on October 21, 2003. AllMusic's own pages use both Steven and Stephen in different places.
Real name and early life
The Guardian identifies him as Steven Paul "Elliott" Smith, places the birth on August 6, 1969, in Omaha, Nebraska, and says he grew up near Dallas, Texas, later moved to Portland, Oregon, and studied philosophy and political science at Hampshire College. AllMusic independently gives the same birth date and place, says he was raised mostly in Texas, moved to Portland at 14, and later studied there at Hampshire College, graduating in 1991. AllMusic's artist header lists the alternative name Steven Paul Smith, while the same site's biographical essay begins with "Born Stephen Paul Smith." The Guardian uses Steven throughout.
Career highlights
AllMusic says he formed Heatmiser in Portland with Neil Gust after graduation, that the group released Dead Air (1993), Cop and Speeder (1994), and Mic City Sons (1996), and that his solo albums included Roman Candle (1994), Elliott Smith (1995), and Either/Or (1997). The Guardian independently records Heatmiser, Roman Candle, Elliott Smith, and Either/Or, and says Gus Van Sant used his songs in the 1997 film Good Will Hunting, after which Smith received an Oscar nomination the following year. AllMusic independently names "Miss Misery," an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, and a later Oscars telecast performance. AllMusic and the Guardian both record later albums XO (1998) and Figure 8 (2000). AllMusic says the posthumous album From a Basement on the Hill was released in 2004.
Death
AllMusic says he died on October 21, 2003, in Los Angeles, at age 34, after being found in his home with stab wounds, and that the coroner was unable to determine whether he killed himself or was murdered, with a Los Angeles Police Department investigation remaining open. The Guardian's October 24, 2003, obituary independently reports that he was found dead at his Los Angeles home aged 34 and, in that earlier account, describes the death as apparently self-inflicted. AllMusic and the Guardian also differ on how the wounds were described.
Name notes for searchers
People looking up Elliott Smith or Steven Paul Smith are looking for the same musician, including the later work most often associated with the song Miss Misery.
FAQ
What is Elliott Smith's real name?
He was known professionally as Elliott Smith. The Guardian gives the name Steven Paul Smith. AllMusic uses Steven Paul Smith in its header and Stephen Paul Smith in the biographical essay.
When and where was he born?
The Guardian and AllMusic place the birth on August 6, 1969, in Omaha, Nebraska. Both say he was later raised in Texas.
When did he die?
The Guardian and AllMusic record October 21, 2003, in Los Angeles, and describe the circumstances differently.
Which later song is often cited?
"Miss Misery," written for Good Will Hunting and later nominated for an Academy Award, according to AllMusic; the Guardian independently records the film and the nomination.