The Free Design was a Delevan, New York based vocalist sunshine pop band who released several albums from 1967 to 1972 and re-formed briefly in 2001. The members were all part of the same Dedrick family - Chris, Sandy & Bruce as they began their career with younger sisters Ellen & Stefanie joining towards the end of their first run. Their dad & uncle also played minor roles. Early influences were vocal bands such as The Hi-Los & Peter, Paul and Mary. Excluding their 2001 comeback, Free Design released 7 albums - accompanied on the records by studio musicians. Though notoriety was originally nearly non-existent (except for the 1968 single "Kites Are Fun," which peaked at #114 in USA), they eventually became cult legends as interest in them started to grow in the 1990's. Since their re-discovery, they have influencing bands such as Stereolab, Cornelius, Pizzicato Five, Beck & The High Llamas. Also during their popularity revival, their music has appeared in film, showtime series, theme to a popular podcast, & numerous TV commercials worldwide.
RECOMMENDED SONG: Kites Are Fun (song video below + lyrics)
ALSO CHECK OUT: Canada in Springtime, My Brother Woody
LYRICS: Kites Are Fun
I like flying
Flying kites
Flying kites
Flying kites
Kites are fun
Kites are fun
Kites are fun
See my kite, it's fun
See my kite, it's green and white
Laughing in its distant flight
All that's between us is a little yellow string
But we like each other more than anything
And we run along together through the field behind my house
And the little drops of rain caress our face and wash my blouse
And we'd like to be a zillion miles away from everyone
'Cause Mom and Dad and Uncle Bill don't realize
Kites are fun
Kites are fun
Kites are fun
Kites are fun
See my kite, it's green and white
Laughing in its distant flight
All that's between us is a little yellow string
But we like each other more than anything
And we run along together through the field behind my house
And the little drops of rain caress our face and wash my blouse
And we'd like to be a zillion miles away from everyone
'Cause Mom and Dad and Uncle Bill don't realize
I like flying
Flying kites
Flying kites
Kites are fun
Kites are fun
Kites are fun
Kites are fun
See my kite, it's fun (See my kite, kites are fun)
See my kite, it's fun (See my kite, kites are fun)
See my kite, it's fun (See my kite, kites are fun)
See my kite, it's fun (See my kite, kites are fun)
See my kite, it's fun