Ian Freebairn-Smith, a Grammy-winning composer, arranger, conductor, and group singer whose career spanned decades in film and television, died at the age of 93.
The music world mourns a versatile talent whose compositions and arrangements shaped Hollywood’s sonic landscape for generations.
Born on March 4, 1932, in Seattle, Washington, to Welsh radio announcer Thomas Freebairn-Smith and British emigrant Mary Elizabeth Peers, Freebairn-Smith spent his early years on Mercer Island before his family relocated to Sherman Oaks, California, when he was just three years old.
He attended Sherman Oaks Elementary School and later the Harvard School in Studio City, where he began developing the musical talents that would define his career.
Freebairn-Smith’s extensive work in Hollywood included vocal arrangements for the iconic M*A*S*H theme song “Suicide Is Painless” and close collaboration with Barbra Streisand on the 1976 remake of “A Star Is Born.”
His composer credits extended to television series like “Airwolf,” and he contributed to numerous film scores including “The Muppet Movie” and “The Strawberry Statement.” His work in sync licensing for television and film became a substantial part of his income and legacy.
Throughout his career, Freebairn-Smith performed and arranged for vocal groups including Singers Unlimited and The Mike Melvoin Group.
His talents extended beyond composition to conducting, including work with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.
In 2018, he shared his expertise by teaching a master class at Los Angeles Valley College, helping to inspire the next generation of musicians.
Freebairn-Smith’s musical legacy continues through his four daughters.
His first marriage to Billie Jean Mercer produced three daughters: Leslie, and singer-songwriters Alison and Jennifer.
His second marriage to violinist Shari Zippert brought cellist daughter Vanessa Freebairn-Smith, who performs with major Hollywood orchestras and touring bands.
His granddaughter, Emily Rose Epstein, has also followed in the family’s musical tradition as a singer-songwriter.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Freebairn-Smith pursued various personal interests including sailing, skiing, and piloting single-engine planes and gliders.
His love for adventure was evident in his dedication to outdoor activities throughout his life, reflecting his creative spirit even outside of music.
His versatility in both studio recording and live performance made him a respected figure in the entertainment industry for decades.
Freebairn-Smith leaves behind a rich musical legacy spanning multiple generations and genres, from classical to popular music, cementing his place in Hollywood’s musical history.
His career embodied the perfect balance between artistic vision and commercial success that aspiring musicians strive to achieve in the industry today.
