Ian Freebairn-Smith, the award-winning composer and arranger, has died at the age of 93. He was best known for his work on TV shows such as Airwolf, Fame, and Cagney & Lacey
Ian Freebairn-Smith has passed away at the age of 93, according to Variety. The award-winning composer was renowned for creating scores for television programmes including Airwolf, Fame, and Cagney & Lacey.
He also secured a Grammy Award for Best Arrangement Accompanying a Vocalist for “Evergreen,” performed by Barbra Streisand in A Star Is Born.
Ian’s legacy is etched into some of television’s most iconic theme tunes, including “Batman, “Flipper,” and “Gilligan’s Island.”
The American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers has honoured Ian with a tribute, where Gayle Levant penned: “Grammy Award winner composer/arranger Ian Freebairn-Smith has left us. With his passing on 7 Oct 2025, once again we have lost another gentle giant in our industry.
“His career began in music as a group singer/arranger. In the early 1960’s, he was part of the group of session singers who sang on the themes for many classic TV shows like Flipper, Batman, and Gilligan’s Island, and was the solo singing voice of Ray Walston in the movie Kiss Me Stupid starring Dean Martin.
“From there he moved into orchestral and choral arranging and conposing for motion pictures.”
They continued: “Ian was an active Board member with ASMAC and narrated the first Golden Score video for them.
“He was a personal friend over the decades and we shared many wonderful sessions working together, along with fantastic dinners laughing and telling stories about the “good-old-days!
“Ian was a total class act. With his loss, we are reminded once again of the “Golden Years” of the music of Hollywood.
“Thank you, dear Ian, for the privilege of knowing you and the joy of your glorious music.”
Born in the Seattle region on 4 March 1932, Freebairn-Smith relocated to Los Angeles with his family when he was just two, reports the Express.
Over an illustrious career that spanned over five decades, Ian’s impact was felt across film, television, and commercial music.
He leaves behind his brother, Rod, and his four daughters, Leslie, Alison, Jenifer, and Vanessa.
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