Ian Freebairn-Smith has died on the age of 93, in accordance with Selection. The award-winning composer was finest identified for composing scores for TV reveals corresponding to Airwolf, Fame, and Cagney & Lacey. He additionally received a Grammy Award for Finest Association Accompanying a Vocalist for “Evergreen,” which was carried out by Barbra Streisand in A Star Is Born.
The American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers has paid tribute to Ian with an announcement, the place Gayle Levant wrote: “Grammy Award winner composer/arranger Ian Freebairn-Smith has left us. Along with his passing on 7 Oct 2025, as soon as once more now we have misplaced one other light big in our business.”
“His profession started in music as a bunch singer/arranger. Within the early 1960’s, he was a part of the group of session singers who sang on the themes for a lot of traditional TV reveals like Flipper, Batman, and Gilligan’s Island, and was the solo singing voice of Ray Walston within the film Kiss Me Silly starring Dean Martin. From there he moved into orchestral and choral arranging and conposing for movement photos.”
They added: “Ian was an energetic Board member with ASMAC and narrated the primary Golden Rating video for them. He was a private good friend over the a long time and we shared many fantastic periods working collectively, together with implausible dinners laughing and telling tales concerning the “good-old-days!”
“Ian was a complete class act. Along with his loss, we’re reminded as soon as once more of the “Golden Years” of the music of Hollywood. Thanks, pricey Ian, for the privilege of figuring out you and the enjoyment of your wonderful music.”
Born within the Seattle space on March 4, 1932, Freebairn-Smith moved to Los Angeles together with his household on the age of two.
Over a profitable profession spanning greater than 5 a long time, Ian’s affect was seen throughout movie, tv, and business music.
Ian’s voice will be heard in a few of tv’s most recognisable theme tunes, together with “Batman,” “Flipper,” and “Gilligan’s Island.” He’s survived by his brother, Rod, and his 4 daughters, Leslie, Alison, Jenifer, and Vanessa.
