The Animals are one of the most influential bands to have emerged in the `60s British Invasion rock music scene. Founded in Newcastle upon Tyne, England in 1962, they released some of the most iconic psychedelic, blues and R&B tunes of the era. Led mainly by Eric Burdon - lead singer, frontman and songwriter - they had a string of five Top 20 hits in the United States between 1965 and 1966.
The original members included Eric Burdon (vocals), Alan Price (keyboards), Hilton Valentine (guitar), Chas Chandler (bass), and John Steel (drums). They were part of a vibrant Newcastle upon Tyne music scene and were heavily influenced by American blues and Rock & Roll musicians like Howlin' Wolf, John Lee Hooker, Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry. Through major label releases and supporting The Rolling Stones on their first British tour, The Animals achieved international success.
The Animals released their first single, "Baby Let Me Take You Home," in December 1963, on Decca Records. This song was the first record that displayed the band's signature sound -- a mix of blues, doo-wop, and proto punk. The band garnered wider success in 1964 with the release of their cover version of the American blues standard, Bo Diddley's "House of the Rising Sun." The single hit No. 1 in the UK and No. 2 in the US.
In 1965, The Animals released their debut album in the United States, entitled "The Animals". The record was an instant success on both sides of the Atlantic and featured songs such as "We Gotta Get Out of this Place" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood." Two more albums followed in 1965, "Animal Tracks" and "Animalism," which included the singles "Don't Bring Me Down" and "It's My Life", respectively. The Animals disbanded in late 1966 and were replaced with a new lineup including Jimmy Too Bad Thornton and Vic Briggs.
The earliest lineup of The Animals featured Eric Burdon (vocals), Alan Price (keyboards), Hilton Valentine (guitar), Chas Chandler (bass), and John Steel (drums). However, the members went through several changes during the course of their career.
Alan Price left The Animals in 1965 and was replaced by Zoot Money. Money was replaced by Dave Rowberry shortly after, who in turn was replaced by Jimmy Too Bad Thornton in 1966. Hughie Garnett took the position of bass player for the band until their eventual break up.
The Animals were the forerunners of the British Invasion rock music scene of the 1960s, paving the way for other groups such as The Rolling Stones and The Yardbirds. Other bands influenced by The Animals include classic rock luminaries Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bruce Springsteen and Jimi Hendrix.
The Animals released a string of iconic blues and R&B hits during their career, some of which remain popular to this day. Some of their most famous songs include:
For fans of classic rock who want to hear the songs that shaped the genre, the only way to experience them is by catching The Animals in concert. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing pandemic, no concerts are currently planned for 2021.
But for those wanting to turn back the clock, The Animals’ impressive catalog of music and influence remains timeless and an important part of music history.
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