“Livingston Taylor picked up his first guitar at the age of 13, which began a more than 50-year career that has encompassed performance, songwriting, and teaching,” (Taylor’s website). “Born in Boston and raised in North Carolina, Livingston is the fourth child in a very musical family that includes Alex, James, Kate, and Hugh. Livingston recorded his first record at the age of 19 and has continued to create beautifully crafted, introspective, original songs as well as sparkling interpretations of the classic songbook that have earned him enthusiastic listeners worldwide.”
Taylor has released several Top 40 hits, including “I Will Be in Love with You” (1978). He’s collaborated and toured with a wide range of artists, including Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, Fleetwood Mac, Jimmy Buffett, and Jethro Tull. “For over three decades, Livingston taught at the Berklee College of Music, where he created a course on Stage Performance.” Taylor’s former students at Berklee include Charlie Puth, John Mayer, Gavin McGraw, Susan Tedesci, and many others.
“I Will Be In Love With You,” which reached #30 on the Pop chart and #15 on the Adult Contemporary chart, clearly presents Taylor’s phrasing and musical vocabulary as parallels to those of his big brother James. At a distance, his vocal timbre is also much like his brother’s — but upon more careful listening, it’s easier to differentiate. The tune alternates throughout between C major and D major; the first unadorned modulation hits during the intro (0:19) and others follow at 1:58 and 2:11. All of the sections with vocals are in D major.
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