Date of Birth: June 14, 1909
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Date of Death: April 14, 1995
Biography
Burl Ives was an American musician, actor, and author, best known for his deep, soothing voice and his work in folk music. Born in Hunt City, Illinois, Ives grew up in a musical family which greatly influenced his career path. He dropped out of Eastern Illinois University to pursue a career in music, traveling across the United States during the Great Depression and performing wherever he could. His big break came in the 1940s when he began performing on radio, and he soon became a beloved figure in American folk music. Ives’ career spanned several decades and included not only music but also acting in film, television, and theater. He is perhaps best known for his role in the animated holiday classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” in which he voiced the character Sam the Snowman. His rendition of “A Holly Jolly Christmas” from that special remains a holiday favorite. In addition to his music career, Ives was an accomplished actor, earning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “The Big Country” (1958). He also appeared in other notable films such as “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and “East of Eden.”
5 Interesting Facts about Burl Ives
1. Burl Ives was blacklisted during the McCarthy era but managed to continue his career by cooperating with the House Un-American Activities Committee.
2. He served as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Army during World War II.
3. Ives wrote an autobiography titled “Wayfaring Stranger,” which was published in 1948.
4. He was a prolific recording artist, releasing more than 100 albums over his career.
5. Ives was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Burl Ives
1. “I have been a roamer since I could walk.”
2. “I stopped singing in church only when I was 16 and the preacher said that I sang too loud.”
3. “There is no one who can move and inspire an audience the way a good singer can.”
4. “A person should design the way he makes a living around how he wishes to make a life.”
5. “Singing is a way of escaping. It’s another world. I’m no longer on earth.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the height of his career, Burl Ives achieved a net worth estimated at around $5 million.
Children
Burl Ives had one child, a son named Alexander Ives, with his first wife, Helen Peck Ehrlich.
Relevant Links
1. [Burl Ives – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burl_Ives
2. [Burl Ives – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0412322/
3. [Grammy Hall of Fame – Burl Ives](https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/burl-ives
4. [Burl Ives Biography – AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/burl-ives-mn0000648784/biography
5. [Burl Ives – Find a Grave](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/2117/burl-ives
