Ives, Burl (1909-1995), was an American folk singer and actor. As a singer, he became best known for performing such folk ballads as "Blue Tail Fly." Ives made his professional stage debut in 1938 and achieved his greatest Broadway success in 1955 as Big Daddy in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams. He won the Academy Award as best supporting actor in 1958 for his performance in The Big Country. Ives was born in Jasper County, Illinois.