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"House of the Rising Sun" by The Animals is a classic rock song with an interesting history. Here are some facts about the song and the band:
Traditional Folk Song: "House of the Rising Sun" is a traditional folk song of unknown origin. It has been covered by various artists throughout the years, but The Animals' version is one of the most famous.
Timeless Hit: The song was released in 1964 as a single and quickly became a massive hit. It reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, making The Animals one of the first British Invasion bands to achieve this feat.
Distinctive Arrangement: The Animals' version of the song is known for its distinctive and haunting arrangement. The use of a Hammond organ played by Alan Price and Eric Burdon's powerful, soulful vocals set it apart from previous versions.
Influential Guitar Picking: The song features a memorable 12-string guitar riff played by Hilton Valentine, which has become iconic in rock music history.
Short Recording Time: The recording of "House of the Rising Sun" is famous for its speed. The band recorded the entire track in one take, and it only took about 15 minutes to record the song. The success of this quick recording session was a testament to the band's chemistry and their previous experience performing the song in live shows.
Controversy Over Authorship: The song's authorship has been a subject of debate. While The Animals' version is the most famous, the song is in the public domain, and no single author can be credited. The band did, however, claim copyright for their unique arrangement.
Impact on Rock and Pop Culture: "House of the Rising Sun" has left a significant impact on the rock and pop culture landscape. It has been covered by countless artists, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Muse, among others. It has also been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials.
Recognition and Awards: The song has received numerous accolades and awards over the years. It is often included in "Greatest Songs of All Time" lists by music publications and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Band's Signature Song: The success of "House of the Rising Sun" is such that it is often considered the signature song of The Animals, overshadowing many of their other hits.
Longevity: The song's enduring popularity is evident from its frequent use in popular culture, making it one of the most recognizable and enduring rock songs of all time.
"House of the Rising Sun" is not only a musical masterpiece but also a piece of rock and folk history that continues to captivate audiences decades after its initial release.