We have a collection of 19 arrangements for The Animals - House of the Rising Sun
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"The House of the Rising Sun" by The Animals is a classic rock song with a rich history and several interesting facts associated with it:
Traditional Folk Song Origin: "The House of the Rising Sun" is based on a traditional folk song that dates back to the 19th century. It has been covered by various artists under different titles, including "Rising Sun Blues" and "House of the Rising Sun." The origins of the song are somewhat obscure, with its precise authorship and location (which the song describes as New Orleans) being a subject of debate among folklorists.
The Animals' Version: The Animals' rendition of the song is arguably the most famous and enduring version. Released in 1964, their recording features Eric Burdon's distinctive vocals and a haunting arrangement that includes an iconic electric guitar riff played by Hilton Valentine. This version reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
Lengthy Recording Session: The Animals' recording of "The House of the Rising Sun" was captured in a single take. The band had been playing the song live for some time, and when it came time to record, they opted for a live-in-the-studio approach. This single-take recording gives the song its raw and emotional quality.
Inspired by Bob Dylan: The Animals were inspired to record the song after hearing Bob Dylan perform it. Dylan's version was part of his debut album released in 1962. The Animals decided to arrange it in a rock style, which significantly contributed to its popularity.
Controversial Lyrics: The song's lyrics tell the story of a person's life gone awry due to gambling and debauchery in New Orleans. The mention of gambling and "a ball and chain" led to some controversy at the time, as they alluded to gambling and prostitution, making it challenging for the song to receive airplay on certain radio stations.
Influence and Legacy: "The House of the Rising Sun" had a profound influence on the development of rock music. It played a pivotal role in the British Invasion of the 1960s and helped shape the folk-rock and blues-rock genres. Many artists and bands have covered the song over the years, attesting to its enduring appeal.
Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: The Animals' rendition of "The House of the Rising Sun" is considered one of the most important songs in the history of rock and roll. In recognition of their impact on the genre, The Animals were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
Cultural References: The song has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials over the years, cementing its place in popular culture. It continues to be a symbol of the 1960s music scene and a song that resonates with generations of music enthusiasts.
"The House of the Rising Sun" remains a timeless classic, and its evocative lyrics and haunting melody continue to captivate audiences around the world.