The Animals
House Of The Rising Sun
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Few songs have a history as mysterious, complicated, and downright fascinating as "House of the Rising Sun." When British rock band The Animals released their electrifying version in 1964, they transformed an old traditional folk song into one of the most recognizable recordings of the decade. With Eric Burdon's haunting vocals, Alan Price's unforgettable organ arrangement, and a dark atmosphere that sounded unlike most contemporary pop music, the recording became an international sensation and helped establish The Animals as one of the most important British Invasion bands.
The Origins
Unlike most hit records, "House of the Rising Sun" wasn't written by the musicians who made it famous. The song had existed in American folk tradition for generations, with its exact origins remaining uncertain.
Versions of the story were passed around long before recorded music became widespread. The song describes a troubled establishment in New Orleans known as the Rising Sun, where someone's life has been destroyed by gambling, drinking, or other destructive behavior.
One of the interesting aspects of the song is that its narrator changes depending on the version. Earlier recordings featured both male and female perspectives, although The Animals chose the male version, telling the story of a young man whose life has gone badly wrong.
Folk musicians had been performing the song for decades. Notable recordings included versions by Clarence Ashley and Gwen Foster in 1934 and folk musician Josh White in the 1940s. Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, and later Bob Dylan also helped keep the song circulating through the folk music community.
The Animals took that tradition and gave it an entirely different personality.
Recording and Production
The Animals recorded their version in May 1964 during a British tour with Chuck Berry. Producer Mickie Most helped capture the band's performance in a relatively straightforward recording session.
The arrangement was largely developed by keyboardist Alan Price, whose dramatic electric organ introduction immediately established the song's atmosphere. Hilton Valentine contributed the distinctive arpeggiated electric guitar pattern, while Chas Chandler's bass and John Steel's drumming provided a steady foundation.
Eric Burdon's vocal performance was the real revelation. His deep, emotional delivery gave the song a sense of desperation and regret that made it impossible to ignore.
The recording also broke away from the standard pop formula of the period. Running approximately four and a half minutes, it was considerably longer than many contemporary singles. Its dark subject matter and unconventional arrangement made it an unusual choice for mainstream radio.
Fortunately, someone recognized its potential.
Commercial Success
Released in June 1964, "House of the Rising Sun" became an enormous international hit. It reached No. 1 on both the UK Singles Chart and the American Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the defining recordings of the British Invasion.
The success transformed The Animals from a popular British club act into international stars. It also demonstrated that audiences were willing to embrace songs that were darker and more musically adventurous than conventional pop singles.
Interestingly, Alan Price received the official songwriting credit on the recording because of publishing arrangements, even though the song was traditional. This meant the other band members did not receive the same songwriting royalties, a situation that reportedly caused considerable frustration.
A Lasting Legacy
The Animals' recording became the definitive version for generations of listeners. Its influence extended well beyond the British Invasion, helping demonstrate how traditional folk material could be transformed into powerful electric rock music.
The song has been covered by countless performers, including Frijid Pink, whose 1969 version became another major hit. Its dramatic arrangement has also made it a popular choice for movies, television, and commercials.
Final Thoughts
"House of the Rising Sun" remains one of the greatest recordings of the 1960s. The Animals took an old folk song with an uncertain history and transformed it into something timeless.
Alan Price's organ, Hilton Valentine's guitar, and Eric Burdon's unforgettable vocals combine to create a recording that sounds just as haunting today as it did in 1964.
It also helped establish The Animals as something more than another British band trying to cash in on the success of The Beatles. They had their own sound, their own attitude, and one of the most memorable songs of the entire decade.
Sometimes the oldest songs have the best stories, and this one certainly found the right band to tell it.
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The Origins
Unlike most hit records, "House of the Rising Sun" wasn't written by the musicians who made it famous. The song had existed in American folk tradition for generations, with its exact origins remaining uncertain.
Versions of the story were passed around long before recorded music became widespread. The song describes a troubled establishment in New Orleans known as the Rising Sun, where someone's life has been destroyed by gambling, drinking, or other destructive behavior.
One of the interesting aspects of the song is that its narrator changes depending on the version. Earlier recordings featured both male and female perspectives, although The Animals chose the male version, telling the story of a young man whose life has gone badly wrong.
Folk musicians had been performing the song for decades. Notable recordings included versions by Clarence Ashley and Gwen Foster in 1934 and folk musician Josh White in the 1940s. Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, and later Bob Dylan also helped keep the song circulating through the folk music community.
The Animals took that tradition and gave it an entirely different personality.
Recording and Production
The Animals recorded their version in May 1964 during a British tour with Chuck Berry. Producer Mickie Most helped capture the band's performance in a relatively straightforward recording session.
The arrangement was largely developed by keyboardist Alan Price, whose dramatic electric organ introduction immediately established the song's atmosphere. Hilton Valentine contributed the distinctive arpeggiated electric guitar pattern, while Chas Chandler's bass and John Steel's drumming provided a steady foundation.
Eric Burdon's vocal performance was the real revelation. His deep, emotional delivery gave the song a sense of desperation and regret that made it impossible to ignore.
The recording also broke away from the standard pop formula of the period. Running approximately four and a half minutes, it was considerably longer than many contemporary singles. Its dark subject matter and unconventional arrangement made it an unusual choice for mainstream radio.
Fortunately, someone recognized its potential.
Commercial Success
Released in June 1964, "House of the Rising Sun" became an enormous international hit. It reached No. 1 on both the UK Singles Chart and the American Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the defining recordings of the British Invasion.
The success transformed The Animals from a popular British club act into international stars. It also demonstrated that audiences were willing to embrace songs that were darker and more musically adventurous than conventional pop singles.
Interestingly, Alan Price received the official songwriting credit on the recording because of publishing arrangements, even though the song was traditional. This meant the other band members did not receive the same songwriting royalties, a situation that reportedly caused considerable frustration.
A Lasting Legacy
The Animals' recording became the definitive version for generations of listeners. Its influence extended well beyond the British Invasion, helping demonstrate how traditional folk material could be transformed into powerful electric rock music.
The song has been covered by countless performers, including Frijid Pink, whose 1969 version became another major hit. Its dramatic arrangement has also made it a popular choice for movies, television, and commercials.
Final Thoughts
"House of the Rising Sun" remains one of the greatest recordings of the 1960s. The Animals took an old folk song with an uncertain history and transformed it into something timeless.
Alan Price's organ, Hilton Valentine's guitar, and Eric Burdon's unforgettable vocals combine to create a recording that sounds just as haunting today as it did in 1964.
It also helped establish The Animals as something more than another British band trying to cash in on the success of The Beatles. They had their own sound, their own attitude, and one of the most memorable songs of the entire decade.
Sometimes the oldest songs have the best stories, and this one certainly found the right band to tell it.