Jay Livingston, former award winning composer, was born and raised in the heart of McDonald, Pennsylvania. Throughout his childhood, Livingston was heavily intrigued by the art of music and became a rather skilled pianist at a young age. He began studying under Harry Archer, a widely known composer and orchestra leader, while still in grade school. Livingston later continued his musical career at the University of Pennsylvania, where he played in University dance bands, showcased in numerous performances, and studied orchestration. It was here that he also met Ray Evans, a fellow musician that attended university alongside Livingston.
Evans and Livingston began collaborating shortly after their meeting, playing in numerous musical groups together while attending university. Early on in their career as a musical duo, the pair moved to New York City in hopes of finding work in the performing arts after graduation. It was here that Evans and Livingston wrote G’bye Now, one of their first hits. However, they were left longing for more after nearly a decade in the Big Apple and decided to pursue a new chapter for their career together in Hollywood. Shortly after, the duo secured a contract with Paramount Pictures and wrote pieces for various films in production. This led them to their first, of many, Academy Award nominations for their song To Each His Own.
Jay Livingston is now well known for various acts, from writing musical masterpieces, to serving in the Army during World War II, and even acting in a variety of film and Broadway roles. Livingston undeniably made a name for himself in show-biz, alongside his partner Evans, receiving three Academy Awards and countless nominations. However, arguably one of his most popular achievements is the beloved Christmas song, Silver Bells. This heart-warming holiday song, composed by Livingston and Evans, was originally written for the film The Lemon Drop Kid, in 1950. Silver Bells has since been re-recorded and produced numerous times by names like Elvis Presley and Michael Bublé, landing it on the charts a total of three times. Silver Bells has become one of the duo’s most popular works, spreading Christmas spirit year after year.
Today Livingston is remembered in McDonald as an icon of holiday spirit. Livingston’s achievements can be found commemorated on a Pennsylvania historical marker in the town of McDonald, near Livingston’s childhood home on S. McDonald St. This local marker highlights the milestones that Livingston accomplished throughout his career. In addition, Livingston’s childhood home is now a relic in McDonald, and has been noted as a historic property.
