Did The Animals’ version of a 100-year-old folk song really push Bob Dylan to “go electric” in 1965?
The Animals started in 1962 as the Alan Price Rhythm and Blues Combo. They changed rock with their raw blues-rock anthems. Their 1964 hit, “House of the Rising Sun,” was a huge success in the UK, staying at No. 1 for 15 weeks.
But there’s a secret: it was recorded in just one take. This move from folk to rock inspired Dylan to switch to amplified music.
The band’s first U.S. single didn’t do well, but their second single hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100. It was the first British rock song to do so. But their version of a 19th-century American folk tune caused legal problems for years.
Why? The publishing credits only listed keyboardist Alan Price. This left out Eric Burdon and others who sang the haunting vocals.
The Animals’ journey took them from Newcastle’s pubs to Monterey’s 1967 festival stage. Their story is a mix of musical genius and human drama. This article explores how five working-class musicians shaped the British Invasion. It also looks at their ongoing battles over royalties.
The Birth of The Animals: From Newcastle to Global Fame
In Newcastle’s industrial shadow, five musicians created a sound that would travel far. Like endangered species adapting, The Animals found their place in 1960s Britain. They mixed raw blues with British spirit.
Their story started as the Alan Price Rhythm and Blues Combo. Shaped by factory rhythms and local club beats, they evolved. Eric Burdon’s voice, Alan Price’s keys, and Hilton Valentine, Chas Chandler, and John Steel’s rhythm formed the band. This musical journey was like wildlife conservation, keeping roots while growing.
How Five Working-Class Lads Formed a Revolutionary Band
Coming from Newcastle’s working-class, they mixed American blues with British spirit. Their name, inspired by local slang, showed their authenticity. Early gigs sharpened their intensity.
But their first U.S. single didn’t do well. This showed even strong species face challenges.
The Origin of Their Distinctive Band Name
The name “The Animals” was more than a name; it was a statement. It came from a term for tough locals, showing their true self. This unique branding set them apart in the 1960s rock scene.
By 1964, they hit it big with “House of the Rising Sun.” This folk-blues hit was a wildlife conservation effort for traditional music.
Early Struggles Before Breakthrough Success
Before they were famous, they faced many setbacks. Their first U.S. single, “Armenia City in the Sky,” didn’t chart. But they kept going.
Then, “House of the Rising Sun” topped charts in the U.K. and U.S. This success showed their strength. It made them pioneers of the British Invasion.
“House of the Rising Sun”: The Iconic Hit That Almost Wasn’t Recorded
The Animals’ 1964 hit “House of the Rising Sun” was a gamble that almost failed. They recorded it in one take, capturing a haunting arrangement in A minor with a 78 BPM tempo. Producer Mickie Most wanted them to throw it away, but they didn’t listen. Their choice turned a 17th-century folk ballad into a rock anthem, changing music history.
The group’s decision to take a risk was like animal behavior in the wild. Their name symbolized this bold move. The song’s journey from Appalachian folk to global hit started with Eric Burdon’s idea to mix Alan Price’s organ with Hilton Valentine’s guitar. This blend of blues and rock inspired Bob Dylan to electrify his music.
The song’s success in 1964 was huge. It topped charts in the UK and US, marking the first time a non-Beatles British Invasion song did so. Jimi Hendrix’s cover and its use in Casino and Mafia III show its lasting impact. But its true origins are a mystery: the melody comes from field recordings of Georgia Turner, made famous by Woody Guthrie and Dave Van Ronk.
Rolling Stone ranked it #122 in 2004, and it’s in the Grammy Hall of Fame. This shows its lasting impact. The Animals’ gamble didn’t just make waves—it changed rock music forever.
Eric Burdon: The Powerhouse Voice Behind The Animals
Eric Burdon’s voice was like a lion’s roar in the animal kingdom of 1960s rock. His raw, gravelly delivery made a unique habitat in the British Invasion. He mixed blues grit with existential angst.
From Newcastle’s streets to global stages, Burdon’s growl became a symbol of rebellion. His memoir, Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, shows how he turned spiritual themes into hits like “Sky Pilot.” This song, a wartime ballad, critiqued military chaplains and faced backlash in Britain.
Yet, it solidified his legacy as a voice of dissent, as explained in this analysis.
Burdon’s career after The Animals was marked by reinvention. Joining War in 1976 brought his soulful roots together with funk. The result was 1977’s “Why Can’t We Be Friends?”
Later, in 1983, Ark with The Animals’ original lineup had a modest hit with “The Night.” This showed his appeal was timeless. His collaborations spanned genres, from jazz fusion with War to psychedelic rock with his solo projects.
Decades later, Burdon’s influence remains strong. His 1964 vocal style, blending primal energy with introspective lyricism, redefined rock’s emotional spectrum. As one critic noted, “He sang like a storm, leaving no emotional stone unturned.”
The Animals’ Groundbreaking Blues-Rock Fusion That Changed Music History
The Animals mixed American blues with British energy, creating something new. Their 1964 hit House of the Rising Sun blended folk with electric sounds. This mix showed that old and new could work together.
This idea led to the British Invasion. Bands took American music and made it their own.
British Invasion Trailblazers
The Animals were at the forefront of the British Invasion. They didn’t just play blues; they made it their own. Songs like Boom Boom and Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood showed their unique style.
Their live recordings in Newcastle set the stage for others. By 1967, bands like Cream and The Yardbirds followed their lead. The Animals’ influence was clear.
Bridging Continents and Eras
The Animals were true innovators. They took Delta blues and made it big, like species adapting to new places. Songs like We Gotta Get Out of This Place mixed raw energy with storytelling.
This sound reached people all over the world. Their 1994 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame proved their lasting impact. They showed how music can bring people together, crossing borders.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama: Lineup Changes and Management Conflicts
The Animals’ success hid deep problems. A mistake in 1964 made Alan Price the only credited writer of “House of the Rising Sun.” This led to fights over money and trust issues. By 1966, Alan Price left due to financial mistakes by the management.
Chas Chandler, who was once a smart manager, also left early. By 1969, the band had broken up. Eric Burdon started again with a new group, calling it “Eric Burdon and the Animals.”
The Animals’ fall showed how neglect can happen. Just like animal welfare issues, the band’s problems were ignored. Burdon later criticized the group’s end: “We were pawns in a system that valued profit over people.”
Behind their hits, The Animals’ story warns us. Management’s failure to treat them fairly is like animal welfare gaps. It shows what happens when ethics are ignored for money. The Animals’ story is a lesson for industries that value profit over people or animals.
Hidden Gems: Underrated Songs in The Animals’ Discography
Discovering animal habitats in hidden corners is like finding The Animals’ hidden tracks. Songs like “Inside Looking Out” and “The House of Love” mix energy with deep thoughts. Yet, they’re often lost behind their famous hits.
Their 1968 album Love Is shows Eric Burdon’s psychedelic side. Tracks like “Dogs” are 17 minutes long, exploring decay through music.
B-sides like “Monterey” show off Burdon’s powerful voice. “Sky Pilot” is a hit but often overlooked. It touches on themes of despair.
UK-only singles offer raw, live versions that differ from US releases. Analysts say these tracks show the band’s growth from R&B to political songs. Like how love songs change across genres, The Animals’ depth is often missed.
But songs like “I’m Crying” and “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” are key to their sound. Tracks like “San Franciso” (1966) and “Pigs (Three Different Ones)” critique corruption. These songs are like animal habitats, where every note adds to a bigger sound.
Surprising Collaborations and Musical Influences of The Animals
The Animals made a big splash in rock music, creating a new world of sounds. Chas Chandler found Jimi Hendrix in 1966, starting a new chapter in music. This mix of blues and psychedelic sounds changed the game.
Chandler’s work with Hendrix made him a legend. This shows how The Animals inspired others to try new things.
Their Impact on Future Generations of Musicians
Chandler moved from The Animals to Slade, showing their influence across genres. Their song We Gotta Get Out of This Place became a hit for Vietnam soldiers. It was a top song on military radio for three years, even after the band broke up in 1966.
Unexpected Artists Who Credit The Animals as Inspiration
Many artists, from punk to hip-hop, have been influenced by The Animals. Their blend of folk and rock paved the way for new sounds. Hendrix and Slade were influenced by The Animals’ bold moves.
Even today, artists exploring blues-rock are following in their footsteps. The animal kingdom of music is full of hidden connections, all thanks to The Animals.
The Enduring Legacy: Why The Animals Matter Today
The Animals’ music is a cultural touchstone, like endangered animal species that need urgent help. Their 1994 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction shows their lasting appeal. Tracks like “House of the Rising Sun” continue to stir emotions.
Eric Burdon’s rebellious spirit is like today’s calls for animal welfare. With 83% of wild animal populations lost, the band’s message to “keep listening” is urgent. Modern efforts, like the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor’s conservation, show the importance of both art and nature.
Their legacy also reflects the Luling Foundation’s work on sustainable practices. The band’s influence is seen in today’s music, just like the mountain gorilla population’s growth. Deforestation takes 15 billion trees yearly, but The Animals’ message of resilience calls for action. Their music, like endangered species, thrives when communities value both art and the planet’s health.
