Ian Freebairn-Smith, Grammy-Winning Composer Who Arranged for ‘A Star Is Born’ and Sang ‘MASH’ Title Song, Dies at 93

Ian Freebairn-Smith, the Grammy Award-winning composer and arranger renowned for his work on the classic "Evergreen" from "A Star Is Born," has passed away at the age of 93. His death occurred on October 7 in Folsom, California. A Seattle native who relocated to Los Angeles in 1934, he built a remarkably versatile career that left an indelible mark on Hollywood's musical identity through his talents as a composer, vocalist, and arranger.

His compositional work defined the sound of numerous iconic television series during the 1970s and 1980s, including "Airwolf," "Fame," "Cagney & Lacey," and "Magnum, P.I." For the series "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," he co-wrote the theme song with the celebrated songwriter Jimmy Webb. His television movie credits included "The Curious Case Of The Campus Corpse" (1977) and "Deadly Lessons" (1983). His career pinnacle came in 1977 when his arrangement for Barbra Streisand’s "Evergreen" earned him the Grammy for Best Arrangement Accompanying a Vocalist. As film music historian Dr. Eleanor Vance noted, "Freebairn-Smith possessed a unique ability to weave intricate orchestration around a singer's performance, creating a standard of emotional depth that many of his peers sought to emulate."

Beyond composing, his vocal performances became a hidden thread in American pop culture. He was part of the Ron Hicklin Singers on the main title for Robert Altman’s "M*A*S*H," performing the haunting "Suicide is Painless." He lent his singing voice to actor Ray Walston in Billy Wilder’s film "Kiss Me, Stupid," which starred the legendary Dean Martin. Audiences also heard his voice in the theme songs for "Batman," "Flipper," and "Gilligan’s Island." Furthermore, he contributed as a bass vocalist to major film scores, including the 2003 "Peter Pan," "The Matrix Revolutions," and the 2008 remake of "The Day the Earth Stood Still."

His influence extended into radio and advertising, where he helped shape the industry's sound. For decades, he was a familiar voice on Los Angeles classical stations like KFAC and KCSN, where he hosted the midday show until his retirement from radio in 2009. In the commercial sphere, he composed memorable jingles for major brands such as Chevron, Continental Airlines, and Pacific Bell. He is widely credited with helping to develop the "California Sound," a polished, accessible style that cemented Los Angeles as the epicenter of advertising music production for a generation. His arranging expertise led him to collaborate with a remarkably diverse array of artists, spanning from Andy Williams and Barbra Streisand to rock guitarist Jeff Beck and folk icon Phil Ochs.

Ian Freebairn-Smith is survived by his brother, Rod, his four daughters—Leslie, Alison, Jenifer, and Vanessa, three of whom are professional musicians—as well as four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His vast and varied contributions have left a permanent imprint, defining the auditory landscape of American film, television, and advertising for decades.