The Elliott Smith Connection

FolkTime was contacted in December of 2009 by Domino Recording Studios, of London England, about a planned $5,000 donation.  Domino Recording represented musician Elliott Smith, who died in October of 2003 from stab wounds.

Smith launched his solo career in 1994.  He was a talented songwriter and singer. He primarily played guitar, but also played drums, piano, harmonica, bass guitar and clarinet. In 1998, he was nominated for an Oscar for his song “Miss Misery”, which was on the sound track of the movie Good Will Hunting.  His album Figure 8 was selected by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the 100 best albums of the decade. There are several websites for Smith, and you can learn more there.

Smith suffered from chronic depression, and also struggled with alcohol and drug dependency. He lived in Portland for a period of time, and when he did, he was a member at FolkTime.  Some of our members remember him, and many love his music.

When Domino decided to make a donation to charity in memory of Elliott Smith, the company asked his parents which charity they would like to choose.  They said that in all his travels and throughout his life struggles with depression and substance abuse, the one place he talked about the most was FolkTime.

It was never determined if Elliott Smith committed suicide.  A police investigation and autopsy were inconclusive.

FolkTime gratefully accepted the kind donation, and the members sent a card to Domino to be forwarded to the Smith family and  Domino Recording.

The connection with Elliott Smith once again shows the  impact this small agency has had on the lives of so many people.