He was an amazing song writer and guitar player from the 90's and early 2000.
I'm pretty sure he had a huge impact, not only on today's artists, but on their playing styles as well.
I would suggest if you have never heard his music to listen to these songs:
Miss Misery
Waltz #2
Say Yes
Pictures of Me
Son of Sam
Somebody That I Used To Know
Memory Lane
Needle in the Hay
I'm not usually a folk music fan but I love Elliott Smith. He's more of an artist and if you like music that is beautiful[idk how else to put it] then you'll love him.
I love his music, it's beautiful. Itunes marks his music as alternative. This doesn't seem to fit to me, but I'm not sure what it should be categorized as. RIP Elliot Smith.