The Animals

The Animals. An English rock band formed in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1962, they became a leading group in the British Invasion of the mid-1960s. Known for their gritty, blues-driven sound and the powerful vocals of frontman Eric Burdon, the band scored major international hits with songs like "The House of the Rising Sun" and "We Gotta Get Out of This Place". Their music bridged American blues and R&B with a raw, energetic rock approach, influencing the development of psychedelic rock and hard rock.

History

The group initially coalesced around the Newcastle jazz and blues scene, with early lineups featuring Alan Price on organ and Hilton Valentine on guitar. After solidifying a roster with Chas Chandler on bass and John Steel on drums, they moved to London in 1964 under the management of Mickie Most. Their explosive cover of "The House of the Rising Sun", recorded for Columbia Graphophone Company, topped charts globally including the UK Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 100, establishing them as international stars. Internal tensions, particularly surrounding Price's departure in 1965, led to significant lineup changes, with musicians like Dave Rowberry and Barry Jenkins joining. By 1966, after further hits like "It's My Life", the original configuration disbanded, though Burdon formed a new, more psychedelic-oriented ensemble under the name Eric Burdon and the Animals. This later group, which included musicians like John Weider and Vic Briggs, found success with songs like "San Franciscan Nights" before dissolving in 1969. The band has seen numerous reunions, including a 1977 album for Chrysalis and periodic tours with varying members into the 21st century.

Musical style and influences

Their core sound was defined as aggressive British rhythm and blues, heavily indebted to pioneering American blues artists like John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed, and Ray Charles. Burdon's deep, raspy vocal delivery, compared to idols like Howlin' Wolf, provided a stark contrast to other British Invasion acts like The Beatles or Herman's Hermits. The band's arrangements were characterized by Valentine's sharp riffs, Price's prominent and swirling Hammond organ lines, and a relentless, driving rhythm section. This foundation allowed them to interpret traditional folk-blues material, such as "The House of the Rising Sun", with a revolutionary rock intensity. In their later psychedelic period under Eric Burdon and the Animals, influences expanded to include the San Francisco sound of bands like Jefferson Airplane, incorporating longer improvisations and social commentary, as heard on albums like "Winds of Change".

Band members

The classic 1964-1965 lineup consisted of lead vocalist Eric Burdon, organist and keyboardist Alan Price, guitarist Hilton Valentine, bassist Chas Chandler, and drummer John Steel. Following Price's exit, Dave Rowberry became the primary keyboardist. Subsequent changes saw Barry Jenkins replace Steel on drums, and for the later psychedelic era, musicians such as guitarist John Weider, keyboardist Danny McCulloch, and guitarist Vic Briggs played integral roles. Chandler left in 1966 to manage Jimi Hendrix, and various members have participated in different reunion configurations, with Burdon and Valentine being the most consistent participants from the original group.

Discography

Their seminal early work was captured on singles and compilations, with their first U.S. album, "The Animals", released on MGM Records in 1964. Key studio albums from the original era include "Animal Tracks" (1965) and "Animalization" (1966). The psychedelic period produced albums like "Winds of Change" (1967) and "The Twain Shall Meet" (1968) on MGM Records. Major hit singles spanning their career include "The House of the Rising Sun", "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood", "Bring It On Home to Me", "We Gotta Get Out of This Place", and "It's My Life". Numerous compilations, such as "The Best of The Animals" (1966), have chronicled their extensive catalog.

Legacy and impact

They are widely regarded as one of the most important bands of the British Invasion, crucial in popularizing blues music for a white, international audience. Their version of "The House of the Rising Sun" is considered a landmark recording that demonstrated the dramatic potential of rock music, influencing countless artists including Bob Dylan and bands like The Doors. The anthemic quality of "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" resonated strongly with American troops during the Vietnam War. Members like Chas Chandler played a pivotal role in rock history by discovering and managing Jimi Hendrix. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, and their music has been covered by a diverse range of acts from Grand Funk Railroad to Patti Smith. Their blend of raw blues power and pop sensibility provided a direct blueprint for the emergence of hard rock and punk rock in subsequent decades.

Category:English rock musical groups Category:British Invasion musical groups Category:Musical groups established in 1962 Category:Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees