About "Doc" Livingston

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David Livingston earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Western Kentucky in 1951 and his Masters of Arts degree from the University of Kentucky in 1952. His doctoral work was completed in 1971 at Ohio State University.

Dr. Livingston began his professional career in music at age 15 when he arranged and played for a dance band in clubs and on radio. After graduating from high school, he joined the army infantry but was later transferred to the Air Force to play with the 4th Air Corps Band at March Field, California, where he ultimately was assigned to play jazz saxophone.

After the war, Dr. Livingston began his long teaching career, starting as a band director in Harlan County, KY (1946-47), then moving to Lee County, KY (1952-53) in the same position. He later served as supervisor of music for the Franklin County, Kentucky, schools from 1953-63 and as band director at Franklin County High School in 1958.

After 18 years in the public schools, Dr. Livingston began his tenure at Western Kentucky University where he became a full professor and stayed until his retirement in 1990. While at WKU, Dr. Livingston served as director of bands from 1965-1969 and taught courses to include theory, composition and woodwinds.

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As anoted composer, his works have been performed by the Ohio State Symphonic Band, the Ohio All-State Band and the Detroit and Oklahoma City Symphonies. Dr. Livingston composed the dedication music for the University of Kentucky's Commonwealth Stadium in 1976 and for the Kentucky bicentennial celebration in 1986.

As a top jazz performer on saxophone and keyboard, he made two overseas tours with Billy Baughn's Hollywood Orchestra and has performed with some of the greatest jazz artists of our time, including Louis Armstron and David Brubeck.

In 1997, Dr. Livingston, along with Rosemary Clooney, received the Governor's Award for the Arts in Instrumental Music. He was again honored in 1998 by his induction into the Western Kentucky University Music Wall of Fame and in 1999 by the naming of a new band room at Franklin County High School.

Doc's infulences as a musician and teaecher has touched and changed the lives of thousands of students and music lovers alike throughout America.