Description
Burl Ives – The Legend That Is – Vinyl Record
The Legend That Is Burl Ives is a compilation album celebrating the extensive career of American folk singer, actor, and entertainer Burl Ives. Known for his warm, resonant voice and his skill in bringing American folk music to mainstream audiences, Ives’ influence spans genres and generations. This collection, which includes a selection of Ives’ most beloved songs, showcases the depth and diversity of his repertoire—from traditional folk ballads and children’s songs to popular standards and holiday classics.
As an ambassador for folk music, Ives became a cultural icon, helping to preserve and popularize traditional American songs. His contributions to music and film earned him a cherished place in American popular culture, and The Legend That Is Burl Ives serves as both a tribute to his legacy and a reminder of his unique ability to tell stories through song.
Burl Ives was born in 1909 in Illinois and began his career in the 1930s as a folk singer, traveling the country and performing traditional songs. Over time, he gained fame as a singer, actor, and radio personality, with a focus on folk music that appealed to both children and adults. Known for his distinctive baritone voice, Ives recorded numerous albums and became known for songs like “Blue Tail Fly” and “Big Rock Candy Mountain.” In addition to his musical career, Ives was an acclaimed actor, earning an Academy Award for his role in The Big Country (1958) and appearing in films like Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and holiday specials such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, in which he famously voiced Sam the Snowman.
The music on The Legend That Is Burl Ives spans multiple styles, including folk, country, children’s music, and even holiday songs, reflecting Ives’ versatility. His arrangements are simple, often featuring acoustic guitar or light orchestration, allowing his voice and the storytelling quality of the lyrics to take center stage. The compilation highlights Ives’ talent for conveying both humor and heart, making his performances accessible and endearing to listeners of all ages.
Key Tracks
“Blue Tail Fly” (Jimmy Crack Corn) – A lively, traditional folk song, “Blue Tail Fly” became a children’s favorite thanks to Ives’ engaging performance. The song’s catchy melody and simple lyrics make it an enduring classic.
“A Little Bitty Tear” – This country-pop crossover hit from 1961 showcases Ives’ ability to convey emotion through subtle phrasing. The song’s melancholy lyrics and gentle melody make it one of his most heartfelt recordings.
“Funny Way of Laughin'” – Known for its upbeat tempo and humorous lyrics, this song became a hit for Ives in the early 1960s. The song’s playful tone and catchy rhythm highlight his versatility and sense of humor.
The songs in The Legend That Is Burl Ives cover themes of Americana, nostalgia, humor, love, and seasonal cheer. Through his interpretations of traditional American folk songs, Ives helped preserve cultural stories and entertain generations with music that feels accessible and timeless. His style emphasizes simplicity, warmth, and authenticity, with each song reflecting a facet of American folk heritage. Whether singing a playful children’s song or a somber ballad, Ives brings a sense of honesty and personality that makes each track memorable.
Burl Ives’ contributions to American folk music and popular culture are immense. His recordings helped to introduce folk music to mainstream audiences, bridging the gap between traditional American roots music and contemporary popular music. The Legend That Is Burl Ives serves as a testament to his influence on folk music, storytelling, and his ability to connect with listeners of all ages. His voice, with its warm, narrative quality, became a staple in American homes, especially during the holiday season when songs like “Holly Jolly Christmas” became holiday standards.
Ives’ impact on folk music paved the way for later generations of folk singers and singer-songwriters, from Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan to more modern folk revivalists. He set a high standard for authenticity in music, showcasing the value of simplicity, heartfelt delivery, and the timeless appeal of a good story.
The Legend That Is Burl Ives remains a beloved collection, encapsulating the charm and influence of Burl Ives in a way that appeals to new listeners and longtime fans alike. The compilation underscores Ives’ role as a cultural bridge, preserving traditional American music while endearing himself to the broader public. His legacy endures as an iconic figure in folk music and a cherished voice in American entertainment, and this collection of songs reminds us why his work continues to resonate through generations.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
A Little Bitty Tear
True Love Goes On And On
Call Me Mr. In-Between
Cool Water
Foggy Foggy Dew
Goober Peas
Pearly Shells
Funny Way Of Laughin’
This Is All I Ask
My Gal Sal
That’s My Heart Strings
Wild Side Of Life
Lonesome So Lonesome
John Henry
Evil Off My Mind
Lonesome 7-7203
Marianne
The Same Old Hurt
Mary Ann Regrets
Blue Tail Fly
