Burl Ives
Burl Icle Ivanhoe Ives (June 14, 1909 – April 14, 1995) was an influential American folk singer and actor, renowned for his rich, tenor voice and his role in popularizing traditional folk music. Born in Hunt City, Illinois, Ives was of Scots-Irish descent and grew up immersed in the folk songs of his heritage, learning many from his mother and grandmother.
Ives began his career as an itinerant singer and guitarist, eventually gaining fame with his radio show, "The Wayfaring Stranger," which helped popularize folk songs across America. His career spanned over six decades, during which he became a major star on CBS Radio and transitioned into country music in the 1960s, recording hits like "A Little Bitty Tear" and "Funny Way of Laughin'." Ives was also a notable film actor, winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "The Big Country" (1958) and appearing in films such as "So Dear to My Heart" (1948) and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" (1958).
Ives is fondly remembered for his association with the Christmas season, particularly for his voice-over work as Sam the Snowman in the 1964 television special "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and for his performances of "A Holly Jolly Christmas" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," which continue to be holiday staples.
Despite his success, Ives' reputation was somewhat tarnished by the McCarthy era. Nonetheless, he was celebrated for his contributions to music and culture, receiving awards such as the Silver Buffalo Award and the Order of Lincoln. Ives passed away in Anacortes, Washington, and was buried in Mound Cemetery, Hunt City Township, Illinois.
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