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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, released in 1964. Here are some interesting facts about the song and the band:

  1. Traditional Folk Song: "The House of the Rising Sun" is a traditional folk song that has been covered by many artists over the years. The exact origin of the song is unclear, but it is thought to have roots in American folk and blues music.

  2. Iconic Organ Solo: One of the most memorable elements of the song is the haunting Hammond organ solo played by Alan Price. It gives the song a distinctive sound and adds to its dark, atmospheric quality.

  3. Hit Record: The Animals' version of "The House of the Rising Sun" became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in 1964. It also topped the charts in the UK and several other countries.

  4. Short Recording Time: The Animals recorded the song in just one take, and it only took them about 15 minutes to record the entire track. The raw and spontaneous nature of the recording contributed to its unique energy.

  5. Length Controversy: The song's length, which is about 4 minutes and 30 seconds, was considered unusually long for a single at the time. Some radio stations even edited it down to a shorter version for airplay.

  6. Influence on Rock Music: "The House of the Rising Sun" is often cited as a song that helped bridge the gap between folk and rock music. Its success inspired many other rock bands to incorporate folk elements into their music.

  7. Changing Lineup: The Animals went through several lineup changes over the years, but the classic lineup that recorded "The House of the Rising Sun" included Eric Burdon (vocals), Alan Price (organ), Hilton Valentine (guitar), Chas Chandler (bass), and John Steel (drums).

  8. Cultural Impact: The song has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, further solidifying its place in popular culture. It has also been covered by countless artists from various genres.

  9. Legacy: "The House of the Rising Sun" remains one of the most enduring and recognizable songs in the history of rock music. It continues to be celebrated as a classic and is often included in lists of the greatest songs ever recorded.

  10. 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, with "The House of the Rising Sun" being a standout example of their impact.

"The House of the Rising Sun" is a timeless classic that has left an indelible mark on the music industry and continues to captivate audiences with its haunting melody and evocative lyrics.

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