News

'Bozo the Clown' Creator Dies

Alan Livingston—the creator of Bozo the Clown and former Capitol president who introduced America to The Beatles—died on Friday in Los Angeles. He was 91.

Livingston was born in McDonald, PA, and got his start in the advertising business before serving in the Army during World War II. Soon after being discharged, he relocated to Hollywood and started writing children's records for Capitol, including the platters that led to the children's TV show Bozo's Circus. Livingston was also responsible for Tweety Pie's sole pop hit, "I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat." Soon after his stint in children's music, Livingston became a VP of creative operations for Capitol and worked with Frank Sinatra and Nelson Riddle.

He spent some time at NBC before his president/chairman positions at Capitol, however. During Livingston's time at the head of Capitol, the label added The Beatles, the Beach Boys and Steve Miller to its roster.

According to variety.com, Livingston is survived by his wife, actress Nancy Olson, a son; a daughter; two stepdaughters; three grandchildren; and three step-grandchildren.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
03.19.09