Burl Ives: A Legendary Voice in Folk and Film
Burl Ives performing on stage..
Burl Icle Ivanhoe Ives was born on June 14, 1909, in Jasper County, Illinois. Raised in a farming family, he grew up surrounded by folk music, which would later define his career. His parents, Levi and Cordelia Ives, encouraged his interest in music, and he learned to play the banjo at a young age. He initially pursued a career in education, attending Eastern Illinois State Teachers College, but soon realized his passion lay in performing. He left college to travel the country, singing folk songs and collecting traditional music from different regions.
Burl Ives was married twice in his lifetime. His first marriage was to Helen Peck Ehrlich in 1945, a relationship that lasted nearly three decades before ending in divorce in 1971. Later that year, he married Dorothy Koster Paul, who remained by his side until his death. Though his personal life was relatively private, Ives' deep connection to folk music and storytelling remained central to his identity. His dedication to preserving and performing traditional American songs made him a leading figure in the folk revival movement.
While best known for folk music, Ives also found success in Hollywood. His transition to acting brought him roles in films such as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) and The Big Country (1958), the latter earning him an Academy Award. Though he played tough, imposing characters on screen, his real-life persona was warm and approachable, making him a beloved figure in both music and film.
Burl Ives’ Music Career and Influence
Burl Ives Smiling Playing Guitar Buy Photo Click Here!
Burl Ives built a career that spanned decades, blending folk, country, and pop into a style that made traditional American songs accessible to mainstream audiences. He started as a wandering folk singer in the 1930s, performing across the country and gathering songs from different regions. By the early 1940s, he was gaining recognition for his authentic interpretations of folk ballads. In December 1943, he moved to New York City and signed with CBS Radio, where he hosted The Wayfaring Stranger, a show that introduced listeners to traditional folk music. This platform helped launch his career, leading to collaborations with notable artists and songwriters.
Ives recorded and popularized numerous folk songs, many of which were written or arranged by influential figures in music history. Blue Tail Fly (also known as Jimmy Crack Corn) had been a well-known folk tune, but Ives’ version brought it into the mainstream. He also recorded Ghost Riders in the Sky, a song written by Stan Jones, which became a classic in both folk and country music. One of his most famous recordings, On Top of Old Smoky, was arranged by Pete Seeger, a key figure in the folk revival movement. Ives’ friendship with Seeger was complicated, as Seeger later criticized Ives for cooperating with the House Un-American Activities Committee, but their musical influence on each other was undeniable.
Throughout his career, Ives worked alongside many major figures in entertainment. While living in California, he was close friends with actor Harry Morgan, known for MASH* and Dragnet. He also crossed paths with country legends such as Johnny Cash, with whom he shared a love for blending folk and country music. In the early 1960s, Ives made a successful transition into pop and country, scoring hits like A Little Bitty Tear and Funny Way of Laughin’, both written by Hank Cochran, a respected country songwriter who also penned hits for Patsy Cline and Eddy Arnold. These songs showcased Ives’ ability to connect with audiences beyond folk music.
A Holly Jolly Christmas Vinyl Click Pic to Buy!!
One of his most enduring contributions to music came through his holiday recordings. His rendition of A Holly Jolly Christmas, written by Johnny Marks—who also wrote Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer—became a seasonal favorite. The song was introduced in the 1964 animated special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, in which Ives voiced Sam the Snowman. This recording remains one of the most-played Christmas songs of all time. Even as he expanded into acting, Ives never abandoned music, continuing to tour and record throughout the 1970s and beyond, leaving behind a legacy that influenced folk, country, and holiday music for generations.
Burl Ives’ Film, Television Career, and Awards
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof - Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman and Burl Ives Buy Click Photo!!!
Burl Ives’ success in music opened doors for him in Hollywood, where he became a respected character actor known for his commanding presence and distinctive voice. He made his film debut in Smoky (1946) and quickly gained attention for his ability to bring warmth and authenticity to his roles. His breakthrough came with East of Eden (1955), where he starred alongside James Dean, cementing his reputation as a serious actor.
However, it was his role as Rufus Hannassey in The Big Country (1958) that earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, beating out veterans like Arthur Kennedy and Gig Young. That same year, Burl Ives’ played the domineering Big Daddy in the film adaptation of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, starring Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor.
In addition to film, Ives became a familiar face on television. In the 1960s, he starred in O.K. Crackerby!, a short-lived sitcom where he played the wealthiest man in the world, showcasing his comedic side. He made numerous guest appearances on popular TV shows, including Bonanza, The Virginian, and Alias Smith and Jones.
However, his most famous television role came in 1964 when he voiced Sam the Snowman in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a holiday special that became an annual tradition. His narration and performance of A Holly Jolly Christmas made him a Christmas icon, ensuring his voice would be heard for generations every holiday season.
Burl Ives’ work in television also included hosting specials and appearing in made-for-TV movies. In the 1970s, he starred in Roots: The Next Generations (1979), the sequel to the groundbreaking Roots miniseries, appearing alongside legends like Henry Fonda and Marlon Brando. His deep, authoritative voice also made him a sought-after narrator for documentaries, lending his talent to historical and nature programs. Even as he aged, Ives remained active in entertainment, proving his versatility in both dramatic and lighthearted roles.
Throughout his career, Ives received numerous honors for his contributions to film, television, and music. In addition to his Oscar win, he earned a Golden Globe for The Big Country and was recognized by the Country Music Association with an award for his contributions to country music. He was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for his recordings of Blue Tail Fly and A Holly Jolly Christmas.
In 1993, just two years before his passing, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts, one of the highest honors an artist can receive in the United States. His impact on multiple entertainment industries ensured his legacy as a performer who could captivate audiences on both the screen and the stage.
Filmography
- Smoky (1946)
- Green Grass of Wyoming (1948)
- So Dear to My Heart (1948)
- East of Eden (1955)
- Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)
- The Big Country (1958)
- Our Man in Havana (1959)
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964, voice)
- The Brass Bottle (1964)
- The Man Who Wanted to Live Forever (1970)
- Baker's Hawk (1976)
Burl Ives Legacy and Final Years
Burl Ives left an indelible mark on American music, film, and television, becoming one of the most recognizable voices of the 20th century. His contributions to folk music helped preserve and popularize traditional American songs, while his transition into country and pop showcased his ability to connect with audiences across multiple genres. As an actor, he brought depth and authenticity to every role, from tough Western villains to larger-than-life figures like Big Daddy in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Whether singing ballads, commanding the screen, or narrating holiday classics, Ives remained a beloved figure in entertainment for over five decades.
Even in his later years, Burl Ives’ continued to perform and make public appearances, though he eventually retired to a quiet life in Washington state. In 1995, he passed away at the age of 85, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be celebrated. His recordings of Blue Tail Fly, Big Rock Candy Mountain, and A Holly Jolly Christmas are still played today, keeping his voice alive for new generations. His impact on folk and country music, as well as his iconic presence in holiday entertainment, ensures that his legacy endures well beyond his lifetime.
For those looking to experience Burl Ives’ music and films, his records and movies remain widely available both online and in my shop Kilroy Was Here. Whether you’re searching for his classic folk recordings, holiday favorites, or acclaimed film performances, his timeless work continues to bring joy to audiences everywhere.
Further Reading & Resources
ML Lamp is the owner of Kilroy Was Here. After his 20 years of working in Las Vegas in the entertainment promotions field, Mr. Lamp retired in 2002 from his job to pursue his passion for collectibles. Now as a guest speaker and author he’s living the dream, and sharing his warmth with You.