Ian Freebairn-Smith, Hollywood’s grammy-winning composer dies at 93

Ian Freebairn-Smith, the Grammy-winning composer and arranger whose work helped shape some of Hollywood’s most iconic film and television soundtracks, has died. 

He passed away on October 7 in Folsom, California, at the age of 93.

Known for his incredible range as a composer, vocalist, and arranger, Freebairn-Smith left behind a remarkable legacy that spanned decades of music for both screen and stage.

Born in Seattle, he moved to Los Angeles in 1934 and began his career as a group singer with The Singers Incorporated, performing alongside Perry Botkin Jr., Sue Allen, Jimmy Bryant, and George Tipton. 

His natural ear for harmony and composition soon led him into the world of scoring and arranging.

In 1977, Freebairn-Smith received a Grammy Award for Best Arrangement Accompanying a Vocalist for the song Evergreen, performed by Barbra Streisand for A Star Is Born. 

The romantic ballad remains one of Streisand’s most beloved recordings and a defining moment in both their careers.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he composed music for several popular television shows, including Airwolf, Fame, Cagney & Lacey, Magnum, P.I., and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. 

He also teamed up with songwriter Jimmy Webb to create the theme song for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

His work extended beyond composition, as his voice appeared on numerous film and TV soundtracks. 

Freebairn-Smith lent his vocals to iconic themes such as Batman, Flipper, and Gilligan’s Island. 

He also sang the main title song for Robert Altman’s MASH*, Johnny Mandel’s Suicide Is Painless, with The Ron Hicklin Singers. Additionally, he provided the singing voice for Ray Walston in the Billy Wilder comedy Kiss Me, Stupid.

As an arranger, he worked with an impressive list of artists including Andy Williams, Streisand, Lou Rawls, Jeff Beck, Stephen Bishop, Randy Crawford, Anthony Newley, and Van Dyke Parks. 

His diverse collaborations spanned genres from folk and pop to jazz and rock, contributing to recordings by The Ventures, Phil Ochs, Emitt Rhodes, and Lee Hazlewood.

Freebairn-Smith’s influence also reached the world of advertising, where he composed jingles for brands like Chevron, Continental Airlines, United Airlines, Dubonnet Wine, and Pacific Bell. 

His California Sound helped bring a surge in commercial production to Los Angeles during his career.

Beyond composing, he had an extensive career in radio, serving as a classical music host on Los Angeles stations KFAC, KKGO, KGIL, and KCSN. He was the midday personality at KCSN until 2009, known for his warmth, humour, and deep appreciation for the art of music.

Freebairn-Smith is survived by his brother Rod, four daughters, Leslie, Alison, Jenifer, and Vanessa, three of whom are musicians, as well as four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

His life’s work, from Evergreen to countless television scores, leaves behind a lasting echo in the world of music, one that continues to inspire generations of composers and musicians alike.