The video captures a moment in time that many consider to be the height of rock and roll’s golden age. It’s the Ed Sullivan Show on October 18, 1964, and the band on stage is none other than The Animals. The song they’re performing is “House Of The Rising Sun,” and it’s one of the most iconic performances of all time.
The era of the mid-60s was a time of change, upheaval, and excitement. A gallon of milk cost 95 cents, and a dozen eggs were 53 cents. The average cost of a new car was around $3,500, and gasoline costs about 30 cents a gallon. President Lyndon B. Johnson was in the first year of his term in the White House, and the Beatles had just launched their first tour of the United States earlier that year. It was a time of innocence, freedom, and possibility.
The Animals took the stage with a confident and cool swagger. The lead singer, Eric Burdon, had an energy that was contagious, and his voice was like a bolt of lightning. The audience was captivated as the opening notes of “House Of The Rising Sun” rang out. The song was a traditional folk tune that the band had adapted into a driving rock and roll anthem. It was a perfect fit for the times, with its rebellious spirit and haunting lyrics.
The performance was a triumph, with every member of the band playing with passion and precision. Burdon’s vocals were raw and emotional, and the rest of the band backed him up with a wall of sound that was both powerful and soulful. The crowd was on its feet, cheering and screaming for more.
Many fans don’t know that the song was originally recorded by a woman named Georgia Turner in the 1930s. It was a traditional folk song that had been passed down through generations, and Turner’s version was the first to be recorded. Over the years, the song has been covered by countless artists, but The Animals’ version remains the most iconic.
The Animals themselves were no strangers to success, with a string of hits that included “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” and “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place.” But it was “House Of The Rising Sun” that would cement their place in history as one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time.
Watching this performance today, it’s easy to see why it still resonates with fans more than half a century later. It’s a reminder of a time when anything seemed possible and music had the power to change the world. So if you haven’t seen this video before, do yourself a favor and check it out. And if you have, share it with a friend because great music is meant to be shared.
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