The Animals

British rock band of the 1960s

The Animals were a seminal British rock band formed in Newcastle upon Tyne in the early 1960s. The group was part of the British Invasion, a wave of UK bands that became popular in the United States. They are best known for their gritty, bluesy sound and deep-voiced frontman Eric Burdon. The band's most famous hit, "The House of the Rising Sun," is a folk song they transformed into a rock standard with its iconic organ riff and Burdon's powerful vocals. This track was included on their debut album, also titled "The Animals," released in 1964. Over the years, The Animals underwent numerous personnel changes and evolved musically, but they remained influential in the rock and blues genres. Their legacy includes several compilations that showcase their hits and lesser-known tracks, such as "The Best Of The Animals" and "A's B's & EP's," which provide a comprehensive look at their work during their peak years. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, cementing their place in music history.