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The Animals - House of the Rising Sun

"The House of the Rising Sun" is a classic song by the British rock 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 based on a traditional folk song. The exact origins of the song are unclear, but it dates back to at least the early 20th century. The song has been recorded by various artists under different titles and variations.

  2. Distinctive Organ Sound: One of the most iconic elements of The Animals' version is the haunting, melancholic Hammond organ played by Alan Price. This unique sound helped set the song apart from other rock songs of its time.

  3. Chart-Topping Success: The song became a massive hit for The Animals, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in 1964. It also reached the top of the charts in the UK and several other countries.

  4. Controversial Lyrics: The lyrics of "The House of the Rising Sun" tell the story of a person's life gone astray due to gambling and other vices in a New Orleans brothel. The song's narrative was quite controversial for its time, and it was seen as a departure from more conventional pop music themes.

  5. Quick Recording Session: The Animals recorded the song in just one take during a recording session at De Lane Lea Studios in London. The song's raw and emotional quality is partly attributed to this single-take approach.

  6. Inspired Many Artists: "The House of the Rising Sun" has been covered by numerous artists from various genres over the years, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Dolly Parton, among others.

  7. Influence on Rock Music: The song is considered a seminal moment in the history of rock music. Its combination of bluesy guitar, distinctive organ, and Eric Burdon's powerful vocals had a lasting impact on the rock genre.

  8. The Animals' Legacy: The Animals were a prominent part of the British Invasion, alongside bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. While their career as a band was relatively short, their influence on the rock music scene is still felt today.

  9. Recognition and Awards: "The House of the Rising Sun" has received numerous accolades over the years. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 and is often included in lists of the greatest rock songs ever recorded.

  10. Enduring Popularity: Despite being released more than five decades ago, the song continues to enjoy widespread recognition and is frequently used in films, television shows, and commercials. It remains a classic in the rock and folk music canons.

"The House of the Rising Sun" remains a timeless classic and a testament to The Animals' enduring impact on the music industry.

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