The Animals

The Animals
Richard William Laws · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	The Animals
Caption	The Animals in 1964
Background	group_or_band
Genre	Blues rock, Rock and roll, Psychedelic rock
Years active	1962–1969, 1975–1976, 1983–1984
Label	Columbia Records, Decca Records, MGM Records
Associated acts	Eric Burdon & the Animals, War (band), Jimmy Witherspoon

The Animals were a prominent English rock band that emerged in the 1960s, known for their unique blend of blues and rock music. The band's original lineup consisted of Eric Burdon on vocals, Hilton Valentine on guitar, Chas Chandler on bass, Alan Price on keyboards, and John Steel on drums, and they were heavily influenced by American blues musicians such as Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and John Lee Hooker. The Animals were one of the most popular bands of the British Invasion, alongside The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who. They were also associated with other notable bands of the time, including The Kinks, The Yardbirds, and The Small Faces.

History

The Animals were formed in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1962, and they quickly gained a following in the local music scene. The band's early sound was heavily influenced by skiffle music and folk music, but they soon developed a more rock and roll-oriented style, inspired by Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The Animals released their debut single, House of the Rising Sun, in 1964, which became a huge hit and reached the top of the UK Singles Chart. The song was a traditional folk song that had been recorded by many artists, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Dave Van Ronk. The Animals' version, however, was a unique interpretation that featured a distinctive organ riff and a powerful vocal performance by Eric Burdon. The band's success was also influenced by their association with other notable musicians, including Georgie Fame, Zoot Money, and Long John Baldry.

Members

The original lineup of The Animals included Eric Burdon on vocals, Hilton Valentine on guitar, Chas Chandler on bass, Alan Price on keyboards, and John Steel on drums. Later members of the band included Dave Rowberry on keyboards, Barry Jenkins on drums, and John Weider on guitar. The Animals were also associated with other notable musicians, including Jimmy Witherspoon, Sonny Boy Williamson II, and Stevie Wonder. The band's members were influenced by a wide range of musical styles, including jazz, soul music, and classical music, and they incorporated these influences into their sound. The Animals were also friends and contemporaries of other notable musicians, including The Animals' road manager, Mike Jeffery, who later managed Jimi Hendrix.

Music Style

The Animals' music style was a unique blend of blues, rock and roll, and folk music. The band's sound was characterized by Eric Burdon's powerful and soulful vocals, Hilton Valentine's distinctive guitar riffs, and Alan Price's innovative organ playing. The Animals were influenced by a wide range of musical styles, including American blues, skiffle music, and British music hall. The band's music was also influenced by their association with other notable musicians, including Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones, Pete Townshend of The Who, and Ray Davies of The Kinks. The Animals' sound was a key part of the British Invasion, which also included bands like The Beatles, The Yardbirds, and The Small Faces.

Discography

The Animals released several successful albums, including The Animals, The Animals on Tour, and Animal Tracks. The band's discography also includes several hit singles, including House of the Rising Sun, Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood, and We've Gotta Get Out of This Place. The Animals' music was released on several notable record labels, including Columbia Records, Decca Records, and MGM Records. The band's albums were produced by several notable producers, including Mickie Most and Tom Wilson (record producer). The Animals' music was also featured in several notable films and television shows, including The Ed Sullivan Show, Shindig!, and Ready Steady Go!.

Film and Television Appearances

The Animals made several notable film and television appearances, including The Ed Sullivan Show, Shindig!, and Ready Steady Go!. The band also appeared in several films, including Get Yourself a College Girl and It's a Bikini World. The Animals' music was featured in several notable films and television shows, including The Wonder Years, The Sopranos, and The Simpsons. The band's appearances were often influenced by their association with other notable musicians, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who. The Animals were also friends and contemporaries of other notable musicians, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Jimi Hendrix.

Legacy

The Animals' legacy is significant, and they are widely regarded as one of the most influential bands of the British Invasion. The band's music has been covered by many notable artists, including The Doors, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, and Bruce Springsteen. The Animals were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, and they have also been recognized by the UK Music Hall of Fame. The band's influence can be heard in many later rock bands, including The Black Keys, The White Stripes, and The Strokes. The Animals' music remains popular to this day, and they continue to be celebrated as one of the most important and influential bands in the history of rock music. The Animals' legacy is also closely tied to the legacy of other notable musicians, including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. Category:British rock music