Burl Ives was an American folksinger, actor, and writer who was born in 1909. He is best known for his folk songs, such as 'Big Rock Candy Mountain' and 'Foggy Foggy Dew'. He also acted in many films, including Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and The Big Country. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Big Country. He was also a prolific writer, publishing several books of poetry and short stories. He died in 1995.