Remembering Elliott Smith 10 years after his death
Singer-songwriter Elliott Smith died on this date 10 years ago, 10/21/2003, at the age of 34. He was an acclaimed songwriter who had released a string of critically-praised albums such as “Either/Or,” “XO,” and “Figure 8.” “From a Basement on a Hill,” the album on which he had been working when he died, was released posthusmously in 2004 and became the most commercially successful album of his career. The circumstances of his death remain cloudy — it was initially reported as a suicide, but no determination has ever officially been made. Smith had struggled for years with depression and drug dependency, but qustions remain about his death. He was reportedly found by his girlfriend with two stab wounds to the chest after the two had been arguing.
Smith left behind an impressive legacy of music in just a short time. Here are a few of his best works.
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
