January Blues Festival: the Animals

The Animals
Title: "The Dynamic Legacy of The Animals: A Trailblazing Rock Pop Band"

The Animals, a revered name from the golden era of rock music, have been, and continue to be, a source of fascination and inspiration for multiple generations of music lovers worldwide. Formed in Newcastle, England in 1962, The Animals became a pioneering force in both rock and pop, carving out a unique niche for themselves in the annals of music history.

Lineup & Early Career

The original group, consisting of Eric Burdon (vocals), Alan Price (keyboards), Hilton Valentine (guitar), Chas Chandler (bass), and John Steel (drums), shot to fame with their unique synthesis of rock and roll, blues, and pop music, endearing them to a fanbase that extends far beyond their British homeland.

Their break came in 1964 with the release of their first single “Baby Let Me Take You Home,” which entered the UK Top 30. However, it was their primal, growling take on the traditional folk song “House of the Rising Sun” that cemented their place in rock history.