Burl Ives

Burl Ives, born Burl Icle Ivanhoe Ives in 1909, rose to fame as a folksinger and later diversified his career to include radio, stage, and screen acting. Making his Broadway debut in 1938, he went on to have his own radio show, record chart-topping singles like "Blue Tail Fly," and win an Academy Award for his acting in The Big Country. Known for his iconic role as Sam the Snowman in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Ives continued to act and perform until his death in 1995, leaving a lasting legacy in music and film.

Ives' career spanned decades, from his early days singing in clubs in New York to his chart-topping hits like "On Top of Old Smoky" and "A Holly Jolly Christmas." Alongside his success in music, he also found acclaim in acting, winning an Academy Award and starring in Broadway productions like Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. His enduring popularity is evident through his continued presence on charts and his timeless Christmas classics that remain beloved by audiences well into the 21st century.