The song's composers John Barry and Don Black asked British singer Matt Monro, who was managed by Black at the time, to record the song for the film's soundtrack. The producers of the film considered the song uncommercial, however, and deleted it from the print shown at its Royal Command premiere in London. When Monro, who attended the event, made Black aware of the edit, they successfully lobbied the producers to restore it. Monro's interpretation appeared over the closing credits in a shortened version recorded especially for the film, which enabled it to qualify for the Academy Award. Monro's complete commercial recording was released on the film's soundtrack album and became the singer's signature tune for the remainder of his career.
Charted versions
recorded a version which was noted for its use of a male chorus, which is heard in the second half of the song, which followed the instrumental portion. The song reached number seven on the BillboardHot 100 and number one on the Adult contemporary chart for six non-consecutive weeks in September/October 1966 The r&b group The Hesitations recorded a cover that peaked at #38 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1968. "Born Free" also appeared on the Vic Reeves album I Will Cure You. Released as a single, this version peaked at #6 in the UK Singles Chart in 1991.
Other versions
Andy Williams recorded a version for his 1967 album Born Free.
Frank Sinatra recorded a version for his album The World We Knew.
Ed Ames recorded a version of the song on his 1968 album Ed Ames Sings Apologize.
An instrumental rendition of the song was recorded by Hank Marvin in 1969, released both as a single and on his eponymous album.
The 2012 video game features the song which can be heard throughout on gramophones. The significance of "Born Free" is in relation to the game's theme of prison and captivity.
In 2018, Born Free was used in a UK television commercial for Cow & Gate’s Follow on Milk.
