Burl Ives : The Timeless Legacy
Burl Icle Ivanhoe Ives was an American singer, actor, and folk music legend. Born in 1909, Ives gained fame for his deep, rich voice and his renditions of traditional folk songs. With a career that spanned decades, he was known for his contributions to American music and his roles in film and television. Ives continues to be remembered as a beloved figure in American entertainment history.
Biography
| Born | June 14, 1909 |
|---|---|
| Died | April 14, 1995 |
| Occupation | Musician, Singer, Actor |
| Notable Works |
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Early Life
Burl Ives was born on June 14, 1909 in Hunt City, Jasper, Illinois to Cordellia “Dellie” and Levi Franklin Ives. He was one of six children in a farming family, and despite their poverty, Ives’ childhood was rich in music. He learned hundreds of folk songs from his pipe-smoking, tobacco-chewing grandmother. Ives’ parents often sang to him, acquainting him with the world of music from a young age. His early exposure to music would shape his future career as a folk singer and actor. Born into an English-Irish tenant farming family, Ives’ upbringing in rural Illinois laid the foundation for his lifelong passion for music and performance.
Family
| Parents | Cordellia “Dellie” (White) Ives, Levi Franklin Ives |
|---|---|
| Siblings | Audry, Artie, Clarence, Argola, Lillburn, Norma |
Burl Ives was one of six children born to a farming family in Hunt City, Jasper, Illinois. His father worked as a farmer and later became a contractor for the county and others. Despite their modest means, Ives had a childhood rich in music, learning hundreds of folk songs from his grandmother. His family’s lineage included a line of preachers, and Ives’ upbringing was influenced by his familial heritage.
He had six siblings: Audry, Artie, Clarence, Argola, Lillburn, and Norma. Eventually, Burl Ives settled in Terre Haute, Indiana, where he pursued college and also worked at odd jobs, lined up a radio program, and played semiprofessional football.
The legendary entertainer, Burl Ives, is buried in Mound Cemetery in Newton, near where he was born. He will always be remembered for voicing Sam the Snowman on the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Christmas special.
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Category | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch |
| Weight | Not available |
| Age | Not available |
| Net Worth | Not available |
| Other Body Measurements | Not available |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Burl Ives was married to Dorothy Koster Paul. They got married in 1945, and stayed together until Dorothy’s death in 1997.
| Name | Marriage Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Dorothy Koster Paul | 1945 | Married until Dorothy’s death in 1997 |
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Burl Ives began his career as an itinerant singer and guitarist, eventually launching his own radio show, The Wayfaring Stranger, which popularized traditional folk music.
Ives was a renowned folk singer and Oscar winner who made significant contributions to popularizing traditional folk music.
There are controversies surrounding Burl Ives, but specific details are not available in the provided sources.
Faq
Burl Icle Ivanhoe Ives (1909–1995) was an American actor, writer, and folk music singer. He achieved international acclaim as a versatile entertainer with a career spanning several decades.
Burl Ives is known for his rich bass voice and his contributions to folk music. He gained widespread recognition for his roles in films like “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and “The Big Country,” as well as for his voice role as the snowman narrator in the animated classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
Yes, Burl Ives was a highly acclaimed artist who won several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “The Big Country” and a Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording for “Funny Way of Laughin’.”
Burl Ives played a significant role in popularizing traditional folk songs and introducing them to a wider audience. His renditions of folk classics like “The Blue Tail Fly” and “Lavender Blue” helped preserve and promote the genre.
Burl Ives left a lasting legacy as a talented performer, actor, and influential figure in folk music. His contributions continue to be celebrated, and his timeless music and performances have inspired generations of artists.
