THE ANIMALS – HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN
“The House of the Rising Sun” is a traditional folk song, probably originating in the southern United States, that tells the story of a person’s life of sin and regret in a city known as New Orleans. It was popularized by the English rock group The Animals, who recorded a hit version of the song in 1964. The song’s lyrics and melody have been covered and recorded by numerous artists over the years.
The lyrics of “The House of the Rising Sun” describe a life of hard times and bad luck, with the narrator telling the story of how they ended up in a place known as the “house of the rising sun,” which is generally understood to be a brothel or prison. The song describes the narrator’s regrets and sorrow over the mistakes they have made in life and their longing to return to a better place.
It is not known exactly when or where the song originated, but it has been traced back to the early 20th century and is thought to have roots in the folk traditions of the southern United States. The song has been recorded and performed by many artists over the years, and it remains a popular and enduring classic.
The Animals
The Animals were an English rock band that was active in the 1960s. They were one of the leading bands of the British Invasion, a period in the mid-1960s when British rock groups became popular in the United States. The Animals were known for their powerful and energetic performances, as well as their distinctive blues-influenced sound.
The band was formed in Newcastle, England, in 1962 and initially consisted of Eric Burdon (vocals), Alan Price (keyboards), Chas Chandler (bass), Hilton Valentine (guitar), and John Steel (drums). They gained popularity in the UK with hits like “The House of the Rising Sun” and “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” and they became international stars when they toured the US in 1964.
The Animals were known for their raw, bluesy sound, which was influenced by artists like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf. They were also known for Burdon’s powerful and emotional vocal style, which helped to establish him as one of the most distinctive and influential singers of the 1960s.
The band underwent several personnel changes over the years, but they continued to be popular throughout the 1960s and released several successful albums. They disbanded in 1969, but Burdon and other members of the band reformed the group in the 1970s and continued to tour and record under the name The Animals.
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