Ethel Smith

Ethel Smith (November 22, 1902 – May 10, 1996) was a renowned American organist celebrated for her vibrant pop interpretations on the Hammond organ.

Originally named Ethel Goldsmith, she was a prodigious talent, performing from a young age and honing her musical skills at Carnegie Tech, where she also studied various languages. Her time in South America allowed her to master Latin rhythms, a genre that would become her signature style. While she initially played both the organ and guitar, her recordings predominantly featured the organ, resulting in an impressive discography of numerous albums, mainly released through Decca Records.

Smith's talents extended to the silver screen, where she appeared in notable films such as "George White's Scandals" (1945) and "Melody Time" (1948). In her personal life, she was briefly married to actor Ralph Bellamy from 1945 to 1947, a union that attracted media attention due to its tumultuous end. She chose not to have children.

Her most famous performance, "Tico Tico," showcased her unique style and gained significant acclaim after being featured in the MGM film "Bathing Beauty" (1944). The single soared to the U.S. pop charts, reaching #14 in January 1945 and selling nearly two million copies globally. Another hit, "Down Yonder," earned her a spot on the charts, peaking at #16 in October 1951. Additionally, her catchy tune "Monkey on a String" became the beloved theme for the Chicago children's show "Garfield Goose and Friends," which aired from 1952 until 1976.