Asteroid Named in Honor of Elliott Smith: Eternal Legacy in the Stars After 20 Years!

More than two decades after his tragic death, the brilliant Elliott Smith has just received a heavenly tribute: an asteroid has been officially named in his honor! The asteroid (861969) Elliottsmith was approved by the International Astronomical Union, forever marking the singer and songwriter's name in the cosmos. Discovered in 2014, the asteroid's number refers to Smith's date of birth: August 6, 1969. The idea came from independent filmmaker Orlando Campopiano, from Edinburgh, who was inspired by the song "Shooting Star" from the posthumous album *From a Basement on the Hill*. Campopiano contacted Smith's estate and together they submitted the proposal, which was accepted. "I hope this introduces at least one new person to Elliott's brilliant discography," said the filmmaker. "Having this tribute blessed by the estate and discoverers is a great honor." Elliott Smith, born Steven Paul Smith, left a legacy of introspective songs about love, loss and depression. He passed away in 2003 at the age of 34. Now, his name shines alongside legends like David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Frank Zappa and the Beatles in the sky. You can track the asteroid in the NASA database: [Small-Body Database](https://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/tools/sbdb_lookup.html#/?sstr=861969&view=VOP). A beautiful tribute that keeps the memory of one of indie folk's most sensitive artists alive. Listen to "Shooting Star" and look at the stars!