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Traditional - House of The Rising Sun

"The House of the Rising Sun" by The Animals is a classic rock song with a fascinating history. 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 passed down through generations. It has been recorded by various artists with different arrangements and lyrics. The version popularized by The Animals is based on a traditional American folk song, but the band added their own unique twist to it.

  2. Distinctive Organ Intro: One of the most memorable elements of the song is the haunting organ introduction played by Alan Price. This intro is instantly recognizable and is considered one of the greatest organ solos in rock music history.

  3. Chart-Topping Success: The Animals' version of the song became a massive hit. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in 1964. The song's success catapulted the band to international stardom.

  4. Distinctive Vocal Performance: Eric Burdon's soulful and powerful vocals on "The House of the Rising Sun" are often cited as a key factor in the song's success. His emotive singing style gave the song its signature sound.

  5. Recorded in One Take: The Animals recorded their version of the song in a single take at the famous De Lane Lea Studios in London. The band had been performing the song regularly in their live sets, and their well-rehearsed performance translated seamlessly into the recording.

  6. Controversy Over Authorship: The authorship of the song is often attributed to an unknown songwriter, as is common with many traditional folk songs. The Animals' arrangement added new lyrics and musical elements to the original, and there has been some debate over who should be credited as the song's composer.

  7. Influence on Other Artists: "The House of the Rising Sun" has been covered by numerous artists across various music genres, including Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton, and Muse, among others. The Animals' version remains the most famous and influential rendition of the song.

  8. Enduring Popularity: Despite being released in 1964, "The House of the Rising Sun" continues to be a beloved classic in the world of rock and has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials over the years.

  9. Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: The Animals were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, and "The House of the Rising Sun" played a significant role in their recognition as one of the pioneering bands of the British Invasion.

  10. Cultural Impact: The song's dark and evocative lyrics have inspired numerous interpretations and discussions about its meaning, contributing to its enduring cultural impact.

"The House of the Rising Sun" is a timeless classic that has left a lasting mark on the history of rock music and continues to be celebrated by music enthusiasts of all generations.

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