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The Animals - House of the Rising Sun

"The House of the Rising Sun" is a classic rock song by the British band The Animals. Here are some interesting facts about the song and the band:

  1. Traditional Folk Song Origins: "The House of the Rising Sun" is based on a traditional folk song that dates back to the 16th century. It has been covered and adapted by various artists over the years, but The Animals' version is one of the most famous.

  2. Recording in One Take: The Animals recorded their version of the song in just one take. This remarkable performance was captured on May 18, 1964, at the De Lane Lea Studios in London. The band had been performing the song regularly in their live sets, and their tight musicianship allowed them to nail it in a single recording session.

  3. Chart-Topping Success: Upon its release, "The House of the Rising Sun" became a massive hit. It topped the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom, making The Animals international stars. The song's success helped solidify the British Invasion in the U.S. music scene.

  4. Distinctive Hammond Organ: One of the most recognizable elements of the song is Alan Price's haunting Hammond organ solo. It contributes to the song's unique sound and adds to its lasting appeal.

  5. Controversial Lyrics: The song's lyrics tell the story of a troubled individual's life in New Orleans. The "House of the Rising Sun" is often associated with a brothel, which was a common interpretation of the time. This led to some controversy, as the lyrics were considered risqué in the early 1960s.

  6. Influential Arrangement: The Animals' arrangement of the song is widely regarded as one of the most influential versions in rock history. It helped shape the folk-rock and blues-rock genres and inspired numerous other artists to cover the song in their own style.

  7. Band Dynamics: The Animals were known for their intense live performances and the unique chemistry between lead singer Eric Burdon and keyboardist Alan Price. However, this dynamic eventually led to Price leaving the band due to creative differences.

  8. Cultural Impact: "The House of the Rising Sun" has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials over the years, cementing its status as an iconic piece of music. It continues to be a favorite among classic rock fans and a staple on radio playlists.

  9. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: The Animals were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, recognizing their significant contributions to the world of rock music.

  10. Enduring Popularity: Despite being released over 50 years ago, "The House of the Rising Sun" remains a beloved classic and is regularly covered by contemporary artists, ensuring its place in the pantheon of rock and folk music history.

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