Chris Dedrick of Free Design Dead at 62

Chris Dedrick

Chris Dedrick, lead songwriter of '60s and '70s vocal pop band the Free Design, passed away on Aug. 6 after battling cancer. He was 62.

"I feel Chris knew I was in the company of love and could pass without worry," his wife Moira wrote on Dedrick's website. "I have felt for days that he had dropped all baggage, and now I feel he is traveling lightly and continuing his journey in freedom."

Dedrick started his music career when he 19 as the vocalist and main songwriter for the Free Design with his siblings Sandy, Bruce, Ellen and Stephanie. The band produced seven albums between 1967 and 1972, and while they didn't top the charts, the Free Design's music later inspired various artists such as Beck, Stereolab and Caribou. In 2005, 'The New Sound Redesigned' was released to pay homage to Dedrick and the band.

After the group went their separate ways in 1972, Dedrick record a solo album, 'Be Free.' He later played, wrote and produced with artists including Barry Mann, Peter, Paul and Mary and Simon and Garfunkel. He also went on to compose, produce and arrange music for television and film and was given a Genie award for composing the score for 'The Saddest Music in the World.'

Dedrick was also dedicated to classical music and composed and arranged music for five albums released by the Canadian Brass in the '90s. He also conducted the Canadian Brass and members of the New York Philharmonic in 1995 for the New York and Toronto premieres of 'Entre Nous.'

To read more about Dedrick's battle with cancer, visit his blog, Circle of Fifths.

Listen to Free Design's 'Love You'


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9 Comments

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Linda Andrews

I knew Chris when he was first-chair first trumpet in our junior-senior high school's Senior Band. He set high standards for himself, and as such was an inspiration to everyone around him. I followed his career from a distance in recent years, and am greatly saddened by his untimely death. My condolences to his family.

September 28 2010 at 3:16 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Alvin

My heart felt sympathy and condolences to his family but please forgive me...I never heard of him before.

August 12 2010 at 2:45 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tim

if yu have not heard of him,why you even make comments,grow up,move on

August 12 2010 at 2:02 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dave L.

So sorry to hear about Chris' passing. I'm certain he's in a better place. I became a Free Design fan around 2002 after reading an article on the group in Mojo magazine. Chris and siblings, THANKS for all the GREAT music! Rest in peace, Chris...

August 12 2010 at 1:56 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
belajeffhogan

Chris Dedrick, Was a "Brilliant" composer,songwriter and
musician. I am disgusted by the ignorance and insensitivity of some of these posts.

August 12 2010 at 12:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Steven

You kids who weren't around when this musician was in his prime have no business coming on here dissing him, especially since he has passed away. Reminds me of someone I knew who partied on the day of his grandpa's funeral.

August 12 2010 at 12:10 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Maria

The guy is dead. Have respect. Perhaps someone will talk about you badly when you are pushing up daisies!

August 11 2010 at 11:37 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Maria's comment
judejaded

if you aren't a general douche, you deserve respect for living pass 62. console the loved ones left behind. the man might be better off than all of us miserable saps still squishing daisies..

August 12 2010 at 1:25 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
OTIS BROOKS

"I feel Chris knew I was in the company of love and could pass without worry," his wife Moira wrote on Dedrick's website. "I have felt for days that he had dropped all baggage, and now I feel he is traveling lightly and continuing his journey in freedom."

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL THING TO SAY...DIDN'T KNOW HIM GOD BLESS HIM

August 11 2010 at 9:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply