Elliott Smith was an American singer-songwriter known for his deeply emotional, introspective lyrics and hauntingly melodic music. Born in 1969 and raised in Portland, Oregon, he gained a cult following with his lo-fi solo recordings in the mid-1990s, including albums like *Either/Or* and *XO*. Smith’s music combined delicate fingerpicked guitar, whispered vocals, and poignant songwriting that explored themes of loneliness, addiction, and heartbreak. He received mainstream attention when his song “Miss Misery” from *Good Will Hunting* was nominated for an Academy Award in 1998. Despite his growing success, Smith struggled with depression and substance abuse, and he tragically died in 2003. His work continues to influence indie and alternative artists for its raw honesty and emotional resonance.