Fabulous Friday

Burl Ives was a beloved actor. His roles in epic films like Cat On A Hot Tin Roof made him a star. His singing prowess was another aspect of his entertainment gifts that he used to its fullest potential, and he recorded one of the most well known Christmas songs of all time back in the late 1950's.

A Holly Jolly Christmas has been featured in many films and television shows as a feel good, sing-along type tune. Ives sang it with the zeal of a youngster as his gruff voice belted out the tune. He delighted audiences for more than three decades with this number. It has become as much of a holiday tradition as egg nog. Everyone knows it, everyone can sing it, and everyone loves it.

In a scene from Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, which Ives narrated, the track was used to cheer along the elves as they packed up Santa's sleigh. One classic imposed upon another, this is an iconic scene. Nobody can't not smile when this one gets going.