The Tragic Story of Elliott Smith

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One of my favorite songwriters ever. People sometimes say his music is depressing, but I can listen in almost any mood and not feel like it's bringing me down in any way. A true loss that he wasn't with us for longer.

I spent 6 dark years in rainy Portland addicted to heroin in the 2000s. Elliott Smith was the soundtrack to my life at the time. He got me through some very tough times. Luckily, my best friend had a record player, so we got to listen to his music at its best. I felt a connection to Elliott's music & lyrics on a soul level, unlike any other musician. Sadly, my best friend opted to end his life, and he passed while listening to Elliott. I eventually escaped Portland and am now 10 years clean. I still love Elliott's music and mourn his passing.

Not only was he an incredible songwriter, but he was a ridiculously talented guitar player, and very underrated at that. Once you try to learn some of these songs, it becomes quickly apparent just how skilled he was.

I was lucky (and old) enough to see Elliott live a number of times. As aspiring musicians, my friend and I gazed in awe at Elliott's ridiculous talent and his ability to play highly complex guitar runs and chords with ease. I still regard him as one of the greatest songwriters of all-time, and it's a crime that he's still not getting the credit he deserves (Phoebe Bridgers for one owes him a beer or two!)

I was fortunate to see Elliott play in his high school band in 1986. I did not really know him although we had many mutual friends. His guitar skills blew me away and the songs were complex and catchy. I saw his rise through Heatmiser and solo work and was in awe of his songwriting acumen and his ability to make me feel emotion through his music. He will forever be one of my most admired artists and I hope he knew the depth of connection that his fans felt for him and his songs.

From a Basement on a Hill is heartbreaking, it gives us a little glimpse of where he was going and it's so rich and beautiful.

Miss Misery is a masterpiece. But for me, when the little piano solo chimes in in 'Pitseleh', that's just divine

I really can’t see how one could compare Elliott to Nick Drake - they seem oceans apart to me. I love them both. To me Elliott is operating in a more Beatle inspired vibe and Nick was more influenced by jazz and British folk. They’re both great.

Thanks for this. I met him a couple of times back in the Heatmiser days. He was just such a nice guy and was genuinely thankful when people came out to the shows.

This is a beautiful tribute. Thank you for bringing this to us.

Elliott is the most underrated artist of his generation- what a talent. Such a challenging guitar player and a phenomenal lyricist - Thanks for this video / yes he eclipses many many artists / sometimes I feel he is like all four Beatles - plus George Martin - in one / Id love if Rick Beato or other music appreciation channels start analyzing his work - - his body of work is encyclopedic- heck his posthumous work eclipses most songwriters ! 😅

He was a wonderful songwriter. His music is deep, heartfelt, haunting, and even quietly angry at times. Powerful stuff.

When people talk about Elliott Smith, it always has a level of admiration and reverence than nearly any artist. People who like him always absolutely love him, there really isn't anybody comparable in style or substance. He encourages a certain level of passion from people that you hold quietly instead of scream from the rooftop.

There was a vinyl record store in Santa Monica called Penny Lane. They were playing Elliott’s “Either/Or” on the speakers and right when it ended Elliott walked in. The manager said “Hey Elliott, we were just playing Either/Or.” Elliott replied “It’s okay. I’ve heard it enough.” This was during the lead up to the Oscars.

Hey Mary, just wanted to let you know that you are one of the very few creators which videos I play regardless of the topic they cover. The storytelling is always of the highest quality. I basically enjoy just listening to you and I know you always share something valuable. Keep it up! All the best!

I was lucky enough to photograph him for an NME feature in Minneapolis at Prince’s 7th Street Entry. Quiet, humble, incredibly talented. Must pull the negatives up and scan them.😢

Great video I got into Elliott Smith when I started hearing Miss Misery. I saw him twice (XO and Figure 8 tours). Seeing him sing and play guitar onstage was transfixing. I remember thinking I'd never seen so much talent in one person. As a guitarist, trying to learn his songs is a tall task.

This was amazing! Thank you for this ❤ I hope all is well 🙏🏻

Lovely video, Mary! Love you, love your videos!