Introduction to Ian Freebairn-Smith
Ian Freebairn-Smith, a renowned Grammy-winning composer, passed away on October 7 in Folsom, California, at the age of 93. He was a talented composer, singer, and arranger who made significant contributions to the film and television industry.
Early Life and Career
Freebairn-Smith was born in Seattle and moved to Los Angeles in 1934. He began his career as a group singer with The Singers Incorporated, where he worked alongside notable singers such as Perry Botkin Jr., Sue Allen, Jimmy Bryant, and George Tipton. This marked the beginning of his successful journey in the music industry.
Notable Works
In the 1970s and 1980s, Freebairn-Smith composed film scores for popular TV shows like Airwolf, Fame, Cagney & Lacey, Magnum, PI, and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. He also collaborated with songwriter Jimmy Webb on a theme song for the latter. One of his most notable achievements was winning a Grammy for Best Arrangement with Vocal Accompaniment for "Evergreen," sung by Barbra Streisand, in 1977.
Film and Television Credits
Freebairn-Smith’s credits include film scores for several television films, such as "The Curious Case Of The Campus Corpse" (1977), "Deadly Lessons" (1983), and "Three on a Match." His voice can be heard on numerous film and television soundtracks, including the theme songs for the television series "Batman," "Flipper," and "Gilligan’s Island." He also worked on the bass section of the film scores for Peter Pan (2003), The Matrix Revolutions, and The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008).
Collaborations and Radio Career
Freebairn-Smith recorded the main theme song for Robert Altman’s film "MAS*H" with the singers of Ron Hicklin, Johnny Mandel’s "Suicide is Painless," as well as several records for the vocal group "The California Dreamers" from Impulse Records. He also provided the singing voice of Ray Walston in the Billy Wilder comedy Kiss Me Stupid with Dean Martin. In addition to his work in film and television, Freebairn-Smith had a long radio career, including stints at Los Angeles radio stations KFAC, KKGO, KGIL, and KCSN, which primarily broadcast classical music.
Commercial Work and Legacy
Freebairn-Smith’s work also includes collaboration on dozens of commercial jingles for major brands like Chevron, Continental Airlines, United Airlines, Dubonnet Wine, and Pacific Bell. His "California Sound" was credited with greatly increasing commercial production in Los Angeles. He arranged charts for notable artists such as Andy Williams, Streisand, Stephen Bishop, Jeff Beck, Lou Rawls, Van Dyke Parks, John Klemmer, Anthony Newley, Randy Crawford, folk artists Emitt Rhodes and Phil Ochs, rock band The Ventures, and Lee Hazlewood.
Personal Life and Survivors
Freebairn-Smith is survived by his brother Rod and four daughters, Leslie, Alison, Jenifer, and Vanessa, three of whom are musicians. He also leaves behind four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, ensuring his legacy lives on through his family and his remarkable contributions to the music industry.
