Ethel Smith, born on November 22, 1902 in the United States of America, was an organist known for her contributions to pop music. She began performing at a young age and studied music and languages at Carnegie-Mellon University. Smith's breakthrough came with the introduction of the Hammond organ into pop and jazz music in the 1930s. She recorded numerous albums, primarily for Decca Records, including Christmas Music (1956) and The First Lady of the Hammond Organ Plays Tico Tico & Other Great Original Recordings (2002). Her rendition of "Tico Tico" became her most famous work, reaching Number 1 on the U.S. hit parade in January 1945 and selling nearly two million copies worldwide. Smith also appeared in several Hollywood films, such as Ah, Guel Scandale! (1945) and Mélodie Cocktail (1948), often playing herself. She continued performing until her death on May 10, 1996, at the age of 93.
