It's
been a tough year thinking back on all the great artists we've lost. But I
think Elliott Smith's passing, in some way, is the saddest because I believe he
had so much more great music in him. I had the pleasure of meeting him on a few
occasions... once in LA in the lobby of the Roosevelt Hotel..and once in London
at the Royal Albert Hall and both times I was struck by his shyness and
kindness. It was encouraging for me as a semi-struggling songwriter to see him
breakthrough and it always made me try that much harder. I was lucky enough to
see him perform once in New York as well, which I remember as being a bit
frustrating because he sat on a stool and I couldn't see him at all from the
back of the room. Anyway, I wish he could have stuck around a bit longer but I
guess the soul wants what the soul wants. The world will miss him very much.
Sincerely,
Ron