In fact Burl Ives influenced a lot of people to appreciate folk music. It may have sounded-and been--commercial, but it opened a door for other people to enter.

Politically--as Elia Kazan--he made his decision, and lived with it.

Pete Seeger had closed the schism prior to Ives' passing---and they made a joint appearance at the 92st Y in NYC. Burl Ives was in a wheelchair by then.

It shows, I suppose, the humanity of Pete Seeger as well the old cliche of time being a healer. If not that, then at least forgiving.

Personally---I thought he was even a better actor than a singer. Having said that, I still remember his Molly Malone on an old Decca 78 when I was just a wee one---probably making wee wees too.

Bill Hahn