From British Invasion Bassist to Hendrix’s Manager
When The Animals recorded House of the Rising Sun in 1964, they transformed a traditional folk song into one of the defining recordings of the decade.
The tune’s origins remain uncertain. It belongs to a long tradition of folk songs passed between singers and generations, and its lyrics have appeared in different forms over time. One theory links it to an old English song about a pub called the Rising Sun in Lowestoft, Suffolk, although that connection remains speculative.
Some versions of the story include a bawdy verse about the town and a woman associated with the pub. Over time, the lyrics became linked to New Orleans, where the narrator tells a tale of regret and a life gone wrong.
The Animals’ version gave the song a new identity. Eric Burdon’s powerful vocal, the dramatic minor-key progression and Alan Price’s instantly recognisable electric-organ introduction created a dark, almost hypnotic atmosphere. The arrangement built steadily, with the guitar and rhythm section supporting the vocal rather than competing with it.
The recording became a huge international hit and is often cited as an early landmark of folk rock. For guitarists, it remains a brilliant study in how a repeating chord progression can carry an entire song. The challenge isn’t simply playing the chords; it’s controlling the dynamics and maintaining the tension from beginning to end.
The British Invasion and Three Massive Hits
The Animals emerged from Newcastle upon Tyne and became one of the most distinctive British bands of the 1960s. While many British Invasion acts leaned towards beat music and pop, The Animals brought a tougher Blues and R&B influence to their sound.
Following the success of House of the Rising Sun, they scored further hits with Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood in 1965 and We’ve Gotta Get Out of This Place that same year.
Their repertoire also drew heavily on American blues, R&B and Rock ’n’ Roll. They recorded John Lee Hooker’s Boom Boom, Ray Charles tunes including Mess Around and Hallelujah I Love Her So, Chuck Berry’s Sweet Little Sixteen, and Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire.
This exchange of musical ideas was at the heart of the British Invasion. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Yardbirds, Dusty Springfield, The Kinks and Van Morrison were among the artists helping British music make an enormous impact in the United States.
At the same time, British musicians were taking American Blues and Soul records that had inspired them and introducing those sounds to new audiences. The Animals were great at making that connection feel direct and urgent.
Eric Burdon and the Animals
The original lineup broke up in 1966, and singer Eric Burdon continued with a new group of musicians under the name Eric Burdon and the Animals.
The later lineup explored a broader range of sounds, including Psychedelic Rock, while retaining Burdon’s unmistakable voice. Their biggest success from this period included San Franciscan Nights in 1967, which captured the atmosphere of the era.
Although this incarnation didn’t match the original band’s run of hits, it helped demonstrate that The Animals were more than just a group built around a handful of early singles. Their music evolved alongside the changing sounds and culture of the late 1960s.
From Animals Bassist to Jimi Hendrix’s Manager
Perhaps the most unexpected part of The Animals’ legacy came through bassist Chas Chandler who, after leaving the band became a talent scout, manager and producer—and played a pivotal role in launching the career of Jimi Hendrix.
Chandler encountered Hendrix in New York in 1966 and recognised his potential. He persuaded him to come to England, helped assemble the Jimi Hendrix Experience with Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell, and guided the early stages of his career.
Chandler also helped introduce Hendrix to the British music scene, including Eric Clapton. He was involved in the early recording of Hey Joe, Hendrix’s debut single with the Experience, and played an important part in shaping the group’s initial sound.
The story that Chandler encouraged Hendrix to set fire to his guitar onstage has become part of rock mythology. Whatever the precise details, Chandler understood the value of a memorable live performance as well as the importance of strong tunes and great musicianship.
Their partnership eventually became strained during the recording of Electric Ladyland. Chandler grew frustrated with the increasingly lengthy studio sessions and what he saw as Hendrix’s indulgence in experimentation. He stepped away before the album was completed.
Chandler later managed the British glam-rock band Slade, helping them achieve six UK number-one singles. It was an extraordinary second act for someone who had started out playing bass in a British R&B band.
Chandler and Hendrix eventually reconciled and were reportedly discussing working together again shortly before Hendrix died in 1970.
The Animals Tunes | Related Pages
Hey Joe | Chords + TAB
You can learn Hey Joe by Jimi Hendrix using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, TAB, and backing tracks.
| C G | D A | E7 | E7 |
Hey Joe, ah where you goin’ with that gun of your hand…
House Of The Rising Sun | Chords + TAB
You can learn House Of The Rising Sun by The Animals using chords, lyrics, a chord chart, chord analysis, TAB, and backing tracks.
| Am | C | D | F |
There is a house in New Orleans…
Ring of Fire | Chords + TAB
You can learn Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, TAB, and backing tracks.
| G |3/4 G G/D C |4/4 G |
Love is a burning thing…
The Animals on the web
