Burl Ives

Burl Ives was a multifaceted American artist, whose legacy as a folk singer, actor, and author left an enduring imprint on the world of entertainment. Born on June 14, 1909, in Jasper County, Illinois, Burl Icle Ivanhoe Ives turned his deep love for folk music into a prolific career that spanned several decades. His resonant voice and affable stage presence made him a household name across the United States, particularly in the mid-20th century.

During his lifetime, Ives released a multitude of albums that captured the essence of American folk culture. Notable among these are “American Folk Songs,” “The Wayfaring Stranger,” and thematic collections like “Cowboys, Indians, Badmen & Sailors” that told stories of various facets of American life and history. His performances on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” evidenced by recordings such as "Blow Ye Winds" and "Foggy, Foggy Dew," introduced his music to television audiences, further cementing his popularity. Aside from his musical career, Ives also achieved significant success as an actor, most famously in his role as Sam the Snowman in the classic television special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” His work on screen and stage earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1958 for his role in “The Big Country.” Burl Ives continued to influence the music scene until his passing on April 14, 1995, leaving behind a rich legacy reflected in collections like "In Memoriam - Burl Ives.”

Related Artists Spotify Logo
Pete Seeger
Joan Baez
Woody Guthrie
John Denver
Gordon Lightfoot
Harry Belafonte
Latest Release
undefined album image
Have A Holly Jolly Christmas (2023 Remastered)
Album - 12 Tracks - Released December 9, 2023
Collage of Genre Images

RecentMusic users are tracking Burl Ives and over 131,800 other artists to know when they release the new music.

Join them and feed your new music addiction, and add the artists you love!

Get Started