Ginger Rogers famously did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels. Ethel Smith’s chosen instrument was the Hammond organ, and she played not only in high heels, but in a tight frock and often a hat.
Her terrific technique combined with a good dash of showmanship gave her a long career in American showbusiness, and she was still giving performances in the 70s and 80s. She died in 1996. Her recording of Tico Tico sold over a million records. Here it is, shoe-horned into one of her movies Bathing Beauty (1944).
She started out playing the piano in the pit of a local theatre, but was offered a job accompanying a singer on the organ –she dropped into the local music store to practice and within a few days customers were flocking around to hear her. From then on she became one of Hammond’s stars, promoting the instrument, and producing hundreds of Hammond arrangements through her own publishing company throughout the 40s and 50s.
Her repertoire exploited the possibilities of the B-3 Hammond organ to the hilt, full of entertaining arrangements of standards and classics, and Latin American rhythms.
True classical music was not her forte -“If you don’t practice, a Bach Fugue can be the worst mishmash you ever heard,” she cheerfully announced to the audience at a summer Symphony concert in 1954 -and it was. The Washington Post reviewer noted that when the fugue fell apart spectacularly half way through, Miss Smith blamed it on the shoes, and suggested they all go backaways and start again. So they did. I wish I’d been there.
Picture of Ethel from FANPIX.net If the YouTube link doesn’t open, just search YouTube for Tico Tico.
Love your blog, why, because it’s different and it’s interesting. Keep blogging and add the music links. I have sent a link to my niece who is studying, sacred music, at Florida State University, USA. She wants to come to the UK for some experience when she has finished studying.
Janet thank you for your comment! My blog has just started as you can see, so many thanks for your encouragement. Your niece is just the sort of person I am writing for – best wishes to her in her studies