Ethel Smith

Ethel Smith, known for her rendition of Tico, Tico, died at her Palm Beach home Friday May 10, 1996 after a progressive illness. She was 85.
Mrs. Smith, whose trademark was her selection of hats and penchant for costumes and bright colors, traveled the world during her more than 30 years in show business.

She entertained audiences in Milan, Paris and London, as well as the troops during World War II, played at Brazil's Copacabana casino and was an organist at the St. Regis Hotel in New York. It was there that an agent spotted her and encouraged her to use her musical talent in films.
She enjoyed a career that included 26 albums, one-woman shows and movies with stars that included Esther Williams, Lucille Ball and Van Johnson.
Her recording of Tico, Tico was a widely popular hit.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Mrs. Smith, after playing professionally for more than 30 years, continued to perform locally at Palm Beach gatherings.
At Mrs. Smith's request, no memorial service was held.
Cremation was handled by Quattlebaum-Holleman Burse Funeral Home in West Palm Beach.
http://theatreorgans.com/hammond/ethel/