Ian Freebairn-Smith co-wrote "The Wailing of the Willow" with Harry Nilsson.

 

Nilsson likely met Freebairn-Smith through Perry Botkin. Botkin and Freebairn were uncredited singers on the soundtrack for the 1962 film Hatari! and were two of the founders of The Singers, Inc.

 

Freebairn-Smith was born in Seattle, Washington, on March 4, 1962. After performing as singer with the California Dreamers and The Singers, Inc., Freebairn-Smith began arranging and composing music, mostly for films and television.

 

In 2017, Frebairn-Smith's daughter, Alison Freebairn-Smith began working as a music administrator for Perry Botkin, Jr. Productions, Inc.

 

Ian Freebairn-Smith (born March 4, 1932) is an American composer, arranger, conductor and group singer in film and TV. He spans from classical to popular music, jazz, choral music, and new music.