Classic Pop Icons

The Animals’ biggest hit “The House of the Rising Sun” is Song of the Week on Classic Pop Icons. “The House of the Rising Sun” was released on single in the UK in June 1964, backed with “Talkin’ ’bout You,” and debuted two months later in the US. It was also on the band’s self-titled American debut album, but not on the UK version.

“The House of the Rising Sun” is a traditional song with a melody that is thought to stretch as far back as 17th century England. The lyrics tell of the corrupting influence of the New Orleans night life and specifically the House of the Rising Sun, which is generally assumed to be either a brothel or a gambling den.

The earliest known recording of the song may have been by bluesman Texas Alexander in 1928. Numerous covers followed as the song became a folk/blues standard.

There are contradictory stories on the inspiration for the Animals’ recording of the song. It’s likely that several versions had been heard by the band, including perhaps Josh White’s recording, which was popular among blues enthusiasts. However, the band’s drummer, John Steel, has said that Bob Dylan’s 1962 version was the main inspiration, with his chord sequence adopted. Eric Burdon has a different story, noting that a Northumbrian folk singer called Johnny Handle drew his attention to the song.

In an interview with songfacts.com, Burdon explained how the band first performed the song on tour:

The song went over so well with the audience that the song was recorded on a break from touring in London and rush released the following month.

Whatever the chief inspiration for their recording, the Animals made the song their own through both their musical and lyrical choices. Previous versions, including Dylan’s, tell of the female being corrupted by the House of the Rising Sun, but Burdon sings from the male perspective.

It was the musical changes that made the Animals’ version of the song the definitive recording. The rolling arrangement, led by the instantly recognisable guitar arpeggios and prominent organ work, took the song to a new place, and Burdon’s powerful, barely contained vocal was the icing on the cake. The arrangement would subsequently become a major bone of contention, with keyboard player Alan Price receiving the bulk of royalties because he was the only one listed as arranger.

In 2004, Rolling Stone place the Animals’ “The House of the Rising Sun” at number 122 on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”

“The House of the Rising Sun” – The Animals

Recording date/location

“The House of the Rising Sun” was recorded on May 18, 1964 at De Lane Lea Studios, 129 Kingsway Holborn, London. With the band used to playing the song in concert, it only took one take to record.

Musicians

The following musicians appear on “The House of the Rising Sun”:

• Eric Burdon – vocals
• Alan Price – organ
• Hilton Valentine – guitar
• Chas Chandler – bass
• John Steel – drums.

Chart performance

“The House of the Rising Sun” topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the US on August 30, 1964.

The single also topped the UK singles chart.

Other notable versions

“The House of the Rising Sun” – Joan Baez

Joan Baez used a traditional folk arrangement for her recording of “The House of the Rising Sun,” which featured on her self-titled 1960 album. Baez tells the story from the perspective of a female led astray by a gambler. It’s a fine recording, featuring a strong, clear vocal from Baez.

“The House of the Rising Sun – Nina Simone

Nina Simone featured a laidback, moody interpretation of “The House of the Rising Sun” on her live album “Nina at the Village Gate.”

Nina also recorded an up-tempo version of the song for her 1967 album “Nina Simone Sings the Blues.”

There will be a new Song of the Week on July 2.

“The House of the Rising Sun” is available on several compilations including “Best of the Animals” and “The Animals – Retrospective.”

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