Ian Freebairn-Smith dead: Award winning music icon dies aged 93 as tributes pour in

Ian Freebairn-Smith has died at the age of 93, according to Variety. The award-winning composer was best known for composing scores for TV shows such as Airwolf, Fame, and Cagney & Lacey. He also won a Grammy Award for Best Arrangement Accompanying a Vocalist for "Evergreen," which was performed by Barbra Streisand in A Star Is Born.

The American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers has paid tribute to Ian with a statement, where Gayle Levant wrote: "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 added: "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 area on March 4, 1932, Freebairn-Smith moved to Los Angeles with his family at the age of two.

Over a successful career spanning more than five decades, Ian's influence was seen across film, television, and commercial music.

Ian's voice can be heard in some of television's most recognisable theme tunes, including "Batman," "Flipper," and "Gilligan's Island." He is survived by his brother, Rod, and his four daughters, Leslie, Alison, Jenifer, and Vanessa.