Ian Christie, born Robert Ian Christie on June 24, 1927, in Blackpool, England, was a distinguished jazz clarinetist renowned for his contributions to the trad jazz scene from the 1950s until his death on January 19, 2010. He was best known for his work with several traditional jazz ensembles, including the Christie Brothers' Stompers, which he formed with his brother, Keith Christie, a noted trombonist. Ian's early exposure to music came from his father, a Scottish piano tuner and banjo player, and his interest in jazz was sparked by listening to the radio and attending local clubs.

Christie left school at 14 to become an apprentice electrician but later joined the Royal Air Force, where he developed an interest in photography. His musical career took off when he joined Humphrey Lyttelton's band, following his brother Keith. With Lyttelton's support, Ian completed his photography studies in London. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he worked extensively with Mick Mulligan and George Melly, and his duets with clarinetist Wally Fawkes became classics.

Apart from his musical endeavors, Christie had a long career as a film critic for The Daily Express, spanning over 25 years, and continued to pursue photography. Even into the 2000s, he remained active in the trad jazz scene, performing with groups like the Wyre Levee Stompers and the Tony Davis Band. In his later years, he played with Graham Tayar's "Crouch End All Stars." Ian Christie's legacy is marked by his dedication to the Dixieland jazz idiom and his influence on the British jazz scene.