Uploaded May 2015 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
A traditional folk song, this version of "The House of the Rising Sun" was recorded by the English rock group The Animals in 1964. It proved to be the most successful version of the song reaching #1 in the UK, United States, Sweden, Finland, and Canada. Like many classic folk ballads its origin is uncertain, however, it is thought to based on a traditional sixteenth-century English ballad about a Soho brothel. Later, emigrants took the song to America where, over the years, it was eventually adapted to its New Orleans setting. The earliest known American recording dates back to 1934. Many well-know singing artists have covered this song with under various title names. The Animals changed the long-time narrative of the song from the point of view of a woman led into a life of degradation, to that of a male, whose father was a gambler and alcoholic. Using this song as their closing act on their concert tours, the group received tremendous reaction from audiences so they recorded it, and it became their greatest hit. It has been considered the first "folk" rock tune and is one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500.
A traditional folk song, this version of "The House of the Rising Sun" was recorded by the English rock group The Animals in 1964. It proved to be the most successful version of the song reaching #1 in the UK, United States, Sweden, Finland, and Canada. Like many classic folk ballads its origin is uncertain, however, it is thought to based on a traditional sixteenth-century English ballad about a Soho brothel. Later, emigrants took the song to America where, over the years, it was eventually adapted to its New Orleans setting. The earliest known American recording dates back to 1934. Many well-know singing artists have covered this song with under various title names. The Animals changed the long-time narrative of the song from the point of view of a woman led into a life of degradation, to that of a male, whose father was a gambler and alcoholic. Using this song as their closing act on their concert tours, the group received tremendous reaction from audiences so they recorded it, and it became their greatest hit. It has been considered the first "folk" rock tune and is one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500.
