Alan W. Livingston (November 30 1917 – March 26 2009) was an American record‑company executive, songwriter, and television producer. He is most noted for his long career with Capitol Records, where he rose from a junior position to become president (1958–1971). During his tenure he oversaw the development and marketing of several major artists, including Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, and the U.S. launch of The Beatles. Livingston also originated the Capitol Records “A‑side/B‑side” single format and supervised the creation of Capitol’s popular children's series such as “Bozo the Clown” and “The Mickey Mouse Club” records.
After leaving Capitol, Livingston held senior roles in the entertainment division of the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) and later served as president of the National Association of Broadcasters’ television‑production subsidiary. He was also a co‑founder of the “Livingston Awards,” a program recognizing achievement in youth media.
Born in Lubbock, Texas, Livingston served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. He earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and subsequently entered the music‑business field. Throughout his career he was credited with innovative marketing strategies that helped shape the modern record‑industry business model.
Livingston died in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 91. His contributions to the recording industry and to early children’s television programming are regarded as significant developments in mid‑20th‑century American popular culture.