Ian Fraser, an 11-time Emmy winning composer, died on Friday at his Los Angeles home. He was 81.
Fraser, who is survived by his wife Judee Morton, their children Neal and Tiffany and their grandchildren, served 10 terms as the Television Academy’s Music Peer Group Governor. The composer was also the musical director for the 1984, 1993 and 2002 Emmy Awards, as well as for several TV Academy Hall of Fame programs.
Fraser holds the distinction of being the most Emmy-honored composer/conductor in TV history. In addition to his 11 wins for Outstanding Music Direction, Fraser was nominated a whopping 32 times. His passing came following a battle with cancer.
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The Englishman is also known for his work on 1970’s “Scrooge” and 1976’s “Peter Pan.” Fraser was a part of Julie Andrews, Bing Crosby and Dorothy Hamill specials as well.
He was the musical director or arranger for many “Christmas in Washington” specials, and did the 1993 and 1997 Presidential Inaugural Galas.
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Bruce Rosenblum, Television Academy chairman and CEO, said the following on Fraser’s passing:
“It is with profound sadness that we have learned of the passing of Ian Fraser, after a courageous battle with cancer. Our hearts and prayers go out to Ian’s wife, Judee, and their children and grandchildren. Ian made significant contributions to the Television Academy, elected by his peers to serve ten very active terms as their Music Peer Group Governor. We were also fortunate to benefit from his many talents when he served as the musical director for the 1984, 1993 and 2002 Emmy Awards and many of our Hall of Fame programs.”
“His superb work as a conductor on Broadway, in film and on television was recognized with Oscar, Emmy and Grammy nominations and accolades. In fact, he holds the record as the most Emmy-honored composer/conductor in television history with 32 nominations and 11 wins for Outstanding Music Direction. Ian will be remembered by all who had the great fortune to know and work with him as a man of great taste and talent, intelligence and warmth, and a wonderful sense of humor and fun.”