Burl Ives is a legendary American actor, singer, and folk music icon who is best known for his rendition of "A Holly Jolly Christmas." Here are some interesting facts about him and the song:
"A Holly Jolly Christmas" Origin: Burl Ives first recorded "A Holly Jolly Christmas" in 1964 for the Rankin/Bass stop-motion animated TV special "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." The song was written by Johnny Marks, who was also responsible for the classic Christmas songs "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree."
Successful Career: Burl Ives had a successful career as both a folk singer and an actor. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 1958 film "The Big Country" and received critical acclaim for his role in the 1962 film "The Spiral Road."
Folk Music Icon: Burl Ives was a prominent figure in the American folk music revival of the 1940s and 1950s. He was known for popularizing traditional folk songs, including "Blue Tail Fly" and "Big Rock Candy Mountain." His deep, resonant voice made him a beloved figure in the folk music scene.
Voice Acting in Animation: In addition to providing the voice for Sam the Snowman in "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," Burl Ives also lent his voice to other animated films, including "The Daydreamer" and "The Pebble and the Penguin."
Grammy Awards: Burl Ives received several Grammy Awards during his career, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. His contribution to American folk music and his renditions of classic Christmas songs like "A Holly Jolly Christmas" have left a lasting legacy.
"A Holly Jolly Christmas" Revival: The song "A Holly Jolly Christmas" has experienced a resurgence in popularity over the years and is now considered a Christmas classic. It has been covered by various artists and featured in numerous holiday films, commercials, and television shows.
Holiday Icon: Burl Ives' association with holiday music and his warm, inviting voice have made him a holiday season icon. His recordings continue to bring joy to people of all ages during the Christmas season.
Legacy: Burl Ives passed away in 1995, but his contributions to American music and the world of Christmas songs continue to be celebrated. His music remains an integral part of the holiday season for many people.
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" Special: The 1964 Rankin/Bass animated TV special "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" became an instant classic and is still regularly broadcast during the holiday season. Burl Ives' role as Sam the Snowman, who serves as the show's narrator, further solidified his connection to Christmas.
Burl Ives' rendition of "A Holly Jolly Christmas" is a cheerful and timeless addition to the holiday music canon, and his contributions to music and entertainment continue to be celebrated by generations of fans.