The music of the 1960s British scene still catches people’s ears today. The Animals stood out during this time and won over fans worldwide.
Their mix of blues and rock, led by Eric Burdon’s strong voice, keeps drawing in new listeners.
We’ll follow the band’s path from their start in Newcastle to their rise to fame.
You’ll learn about their hit songs, the different musicians in the group, and how they shaped rock music.
This article will show why The Animals became popular and why people still enjoy their music. We’ll examine what made them special and how they fit into rock history.
Get ready to explore the story of this important band and their lasting effect on music.
Early Beginnings and Musical Identity of The Animals
The Animals came together in Newcastle in the early 1960s. At first, they were known as The Alan Price Combo. Eric Burdon joined the group, bringing his strong voice to the mix.
The other members were Alan Price, Hilton Valentine, John Steel, and Bryan “Chas” Chandler. They picked the name “The Animals” because they were lively on stage.
From the start, The Animals had a sound all their own. They played a type of rock full of feeling, with lots of blues mixed in. This made them different from other bands at the time.
Eric Burdon’s deep, powerful singing stood out. They took old rhythm and blues songs and made them fresh and exciting for a new crowd.
In 1964, The Animals recorded “The House of the Rising Sun.” This old folk song became their big hit. They changed it up, adding a new beat and sound that people loved.
The song went to number one in both the UK and the US. It showcased Eric Burdon’s strong voice and Alan Price’s organ playing.
This song helped people see what made The Animals special and helped them become famous around the world.
The Voice of The Animals: Eric Burdon
Eric Burdon was the heart and soul of The Animals. His deep, powerful singing set the band apart from others. When you hear The Animals, Eric’s voice grabs you first.
Eric didn’t just sing the songs; he lived them. You can hear it in hits like “The House of the Rising Sun” and “We Gotta Get Out of This Place.” He made you feel every word.
As the band grew, so did Eric’s role. In the late 1960s, he helped The Animals try new sounds, moving them into what people call psychedelic rock. Eric was always pushing the band to try fresh ideas.
Even today, when people think of The Animals, they think of Eric’s voice. He helped make The Animals one of the most memorable bands of their time.
The Animals: The Crew Behind the Sound
1. Alan Price
Alan Price played the keyboard and gave The Animals their early sound. His organ in “The House of the Rising Sun” is unforgettable. Even after he left in 1965, his mark on the band’s music stayed.
2. Hilton Valentine
Hilton Valentine played guitar. His blues-style playing added feeling to The Animals’ songs. His guitar work perfectly fits Eric’s singing, giving the band its gritty sound.
3. Chas Chandler
Chas Chandler was the bass player. His bass lines gave depth to The Animals’ music. Later, he became famous for managing Jimi Hendrix, but his role in The Animals was key to their success.
4. John Steel
John Steel kept the beat as the drummer. He was the steady force behind The Animals’ rhythm, both on stage and in the studio, and his drumming gave their music its drive.
5. Mick Gallagher and Dave Rowberry
After Alan Price left, Mick Gallagher and Dave Rowberry joined to play keyboards. They helped keep The Animals’ sound going strong, even though they weren’t part of the original group.
Each member brought something special to The Animals, helping create the unique sound that we still love today.
The Animals: Changing Faces and Sounds
The Animals didn’t stay the same over time. They changed their sound and the people in the band. Let’s look at how they grew and faced tough times.
1. Band’s Evolution
In 1966, The Animals became “Eric Burdon and the Animals.” Their music also started to change, and they tried new things with their sound.
It wasn’t just blues rock anymore. They started to play around with different styles of music.
2. Challenges
The 1960s weren’t easy for the band. There were fights within the group, people kept joining and leaving the band, and their managers didn’t always make good choices.
All these problems made it hard for them to stay together.
3. Psychedelic Era
When Eric Burdon moved to California, the band’s sound changed. They started playing what people called psychedelic rock. This music was more dreamy and strange.
You can hear this new sound in songs like “San Franciscan Nights” from 1967. Another example is “Sky Pilot” from 1968. These songs were very different from their early hits.
The Animals kept trying new things with their music. Even when times were tough, they continued to make songs that people remember today.
The Animals: Making Their Mark
The Animals didn’t just make music; they left a lasting mark on rock history. Let’s examine some of their big wins and how they shaped music.
- Chart Success: The Animals had many songs that people loved. Ten of their songs made it to the top 20 in both the UK and the US, which shows how popular they were on both sides of the ocean.
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: In 1994, The Animals joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This big honor shows how much they mattered in rock music. It means that experts think their music will be remembered for a long time.
- Influence on Bob Dylan: Their version of “The House of the Rising Sun” was so good that it made Dylan want to try something new. After hearing it, Dylan decided to start using electric instruments in his music, which was a big change for folk music.
- Part of the British Invasion: The Animals were one of the British bands that became very popular in America in the 1960s. They helped bring British rock music to the US, changing what American listeners were used to hearing.
- Inspiring Other Artists: The Animals’ raw, bluesy sound didn’t just make hit songs. It also inspired many other musicians who came after them. Many rock and blues artists have said The Animals’ music helped shape their style.
The Animals: Coming Back Together
Even though The Animals broke up, they didn’t stay apart forever. Let’s look at how they got back together a few times and how their music lives on.
1. Reunion Tours
The Animals surprised their fans by getting back together twice. In 1975, the original band members played some shows together, and they did it again in 1983.
These brief reunions let fans hear their old favorites live once more, showing that the band still had that special sound, even years later.
2. The Animals Today
Although The Animals may no longer be a band, their music is far from forgotten. Young people are still finding and loving their songs today.
You might hear “House of the Rising Sun” in a movie or “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” on the radio.
Many new rock bands say The Animals inspired them. The raw, honest way The Animals played and sang still feels fresh to listeners today. Their songs about standing up for yourself and wanting change still make sense to people.
Even though The Animals aren’t making new music, their old songs keep finding new fans. They remind us of a time when rock music changed the world, one song at a time.
Conclusion
The Animals left an indelible mark on rock music that still resonates today. From their gritty blues-rock beginnings to their psychedelic explorations, they crafted a special sound.
Their chart-topping hits, like “House of the Rising Sun” and “We Gotta Get Out of This Place,” remain timeless classics that inspire new generations of musicians.
Despite their challenges, The Animals’ influence on rock music is undeniable. Their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 solidified their place in music history.
Even though the original lineup is no longer together, their legacy lives on through their recordings and the countless artists they’ve inspired.
As we look back on The Animals’ journey, we’re reminded of the power of raw, honest music to touch hearts and change lives.
Their story is a testament to the enduring spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Animals’ Biggest Hit?
“The House of the Rising Sun” was their biggest hit, reaching number one in the UK and US in 1964.
Are the Animals Still Performing Today?
Although the original lineup is no longer together, their music continues to be popular and influential in rock history.
What Genre of Music Were the Animals Known for?
The Animals were known for blues-rock, rhythm and blues, and later psychedelic rock. Their sound evolved throughout their career.
