THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

851-The Animals-The House of the Rising Sun.

1964-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.38.As a traditional Folk song recorded by a Electronic Rock band, this song has been described as the first ever ‘Folk Rock’ hit.’

The House of the Rising Sun’ is a traditional Folk song sometimes called ‘Rising Sun Blues.’ Like many classic Folk ballads, the song has uncertain authorship,which is probably one of the reasons why it has been recorded so many times, as an artist doesn’t have to pay royalties on it.There are several schools of thought as to what the ‘Rising Sun’ was, but it was probably a place of gambling, drinking, and prostitution, in New Orleans, U.S., around 1860. The oldest known recording of the song under the title ‘Rising Sun Blues’ dated back to 1933, by Clarence Ashley, and Gwen Foster.

The Animals were formed in 1963 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, and were active until 1969, reforming with differing lineups on several occasions down the years.The original classic lineup was Eric Burdon (see also best songs 756,) Alan Price, Chas Chandler (1938-1996,) Hilton Valentine, and John Steel.

Bob Dylan recorded his first version of the song for his 1962 self titled debut Album, using a Folk arrangement. It is said that on hearing this song on the radio,he was inspired to buy an electric guitar, and the rest is history.

‘And it’s been the ruin of many a poor boy, and God knows I’n one.’