Ethel Smith

Ethel Smith may refer to:

See also

Ethel Smith (organist)

Ethel Smith (November 22, 1902 – May 10, 1996) was an organist who played primarily in a pop style on the Hammond organ.

Born Ethel Goldsmith, she performed from a fairly young age and traveled widely, learning several languages. She became proficient in Latin music while staying in South America, and it is the style of music with which she is now most associated. She was a guitarist as well as an organist, and in her later years occasionally played the guitar live for audiences, but all her recordings were on the organ.

An attractive woman with a preference for colorful outfits, particularly hats, Smith performed in several Hollywood films. She was married to Hollywood actor Ralph Bellamy from 1945 to 1947, at the height of her fame, and their acrimonious divorce made headlines.

Her recording of "Tico Tico" was her best-known hit. It reached the U.S. pop charts in November 1944, peaked at No. 14 on January 27, 1945, and sold nearly two million copies worldwide. She also performed it in the 1944 film, Bathing Beauty. She died on May 10, 1996.

Ethel Smith (athlete)

Ethel May Smith (July 5, 1907 – December 31, 1979) was a sprinter from Canada who won a bronze medal in the 100 m at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, Netherlands. At the same games she helped the Canadian national team win the 4×100 m relay.

Smith was born into a poor family and quit school in the eighth grade to work at the Toronto's Garment District. She won the 220 yards at the national championships in 1927 and the 60 yards at the Ontario Championships in 1929. The same year she retired from competitions.

References