We have a collection of 19 arrangements for The Animals - House of the Rising Sun
What makes The Animals' version of this folk ballad a defining moment in rock history? Learn!
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"The House of the Rising Sun" is a classic folk song that has been covered by many artists over the years. However, the version by the British rock band The Animals is perhaps the most famous. Here are some interesting facts about The Animals and their rendition of the song:
Origins of the Song: "The House of the Rising Sun" is a traditional folk song with uncertain origins. It's believed to have been in circulation for many years before The Animals recorded their version. The song tells the story of a person's life gone wrong in New Orleans, and the title refers to a brothel.
Iconic Arrangement: The Animals' rendition of the song is known for its distinctive and haunting arrangement. The band's version features a prominent electric guitar riff played by Hilton Valentine, a haunting organ solo by Alan Price, and Eric Burdon's emotive vocals. This arrangement set it apart from previous versions.
Recording in One Take: The Animals recorded their version of "The House of the Rising Sun" in just one take. The raw, unpolished performance captured the intensity and emotion of the song, and this single take became the iconic version of the track.
Chart-Topping Success: The Animals' version of the song was released in 1964 and quickly climbed the charts. It reached number one on both the UK Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. It's worth noting that achieving a number one hit with a traditional folk song was quite unusual for a rock band at the time.
Influence on Rock Music: The Animals' rendition of the song had a significant influence on the development of rock music. It's often considered one of the early examples of the British Invasion of the American music scene in the 1960s.
Controversy Over Authorship: The authorship of the song is unclear, as it's a traditional folk song with no known original composer. The Animals' version is credited to the entire band, but they arranged it in their distinctive style. This led to disputes over songwriting royalties.
Lasting Legacy: "The House of the Rising Sun" remains one of the most iconic songs in rock history. It has been covered by numerous artists across various genres and has been featured in countless films, TV shows, and commercials.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: The Animals were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, and their version of "The House of the Rising Sun" is often cited as one of their defining contributions to the world of rock music.
Cultural Impact: The song's enduring popularity has made it a cultural touchstone, and it continues to resonate with audiences of all generations.
The Animals' rendition of "The House of the Rising Sun" is a timeless classic that has left an indelible mark on the history of rock music.