Burl Ives, actor and singer, discusses his life including childhood, schooling, early career, married life and some of his most popular songs. Ives also talks about his books and writing.

Burl Ives was born in Jasper County, IL and he attended Eastern Illinois State Teachers College. While in college, he played some football and then he wanted to become a football coach. Ives spent time in Terre Haute, IN, where he played records and sang songs on the radio. To be a great singer, Ives said he knew he had to add dramatization to certain songs.