The Animals Вђ“ House Of The Rising Sun Apr 2026

The 1964 hit by The Animals is widely considered the first folk-rock hit , famously recorded in just one take during a break while on tour with Chuck Berry. The Story Behind the Song

: Traditional folk versions often featured a female narrator lamenting a life in prostitution. To make it more "radio-friendly," The Animals changed the lead character to a gambler's son who becomes a gambler himself. The Animals – House Of The Rising Sun

: While the song is most associated with The Animals, it is a traditional American folk ballad. Earlier versions were recorded by legends like Lead Belly, Woody Guthrie, and Nina Simone—whose version is the one Eric Burdon reportedly first heard. The 1964 hit by The Animals is widely

: The band had perfected the arrangement on the road. Producer Mickie Most initially hesitated to record it because of its length (nearly 4.5 minutes), but the overwhelming audience reaction convinced him it was a hit. : While the song is most associated with

: Organist Alan Price was the only band member credited for the arrangement. Consequently, he received all the royalties, leading to long-standing bitterness within the group. Musical Highlights