Folk Rock
One of the most commercially successful versions of this traditional folk song of misdirected life in New Orleans was by the British invasion group The Animals. In 1964, their folk rock version of “House of the Rising Sun” went to #1 in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, Sweden, and Finland.
Eric Burdon, who was with The Animals at the time, claims to have first heard it at a club in Newcastle, England, sung by Johnny Handle, a Northumbrian folksinger. The Animals were touring with Chuck Berry at the time and wanted something different to stand out. (Chuck Berry is a hard act to follow, as were The Beatles, who were a powerful force at the time.) Well, it was different, and it became their signature song. Another reason “House of the Rising Sun” became so popular, is that many kids took up playing the guitar, and it was an easy riff to imitate.
The Animals formed in Newcastle and then moved to London. The group had many changes over time, but on this track were Eric Burdon (vocals), Alan Price (organ and keyboards, Hilton Valentine (guitar), John Steel (drums), and Bryan “Chas” Chandler (bass). The name for the group, they said, had nothing to do with a wild stage act — or their manners. It was named after one of their friends “Animal” Hogg. (Poetic license and all that.)
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[…] If you are interested in reading about and listening to another song by The Animals, please click here for “House of the Rising Sun.” […]
So welcoming, like an well-worn flannel shirt.❤️ Much appreciation 🐆