- In their Television Archives interview, Ray Evans and Jay Livingston said when Desi Arnaz asked them to write a theme song for a Western television show, he told them he could not pay them much for a weekly salary, because the show was only going to last one year. The men made a deal with Desi to keep the rights to the song. When Bonanza became an unexpected smash-hit, owning the rights to the song, the men made millions.
- Jay Livingston and Ray Evans were awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 7083 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
- His signature tune "Silver Bells" was originally titled "Tinkle Bells".
- Older brother of "Bozo the Clown" creator and former Capitol Records President, Alan Livingston.
- Was nominated for Broadway's 1958 Tony Award, music and lyrics in collaboration with Ray Evans, as part of Best Musical nomination for "Oh, Captain!".
- Inducted into the American Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1977.
- Uncle of Christopher Livingston.
- Following his death, he was interred at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles, California.
- Brother-in-law of Nancy Olson. Ex-brother-in-law of Betty Hutton.
- Had one stepdaughter: Travelyn (Gordon) Livingston.
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