The Animals  by The Animals

The band The Animals started in Newcastle, England in 1963. Already the following year, they released their debut album, titled with their name. The debut was filled with covers of songs by American artists, such as Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, Johnnie Mae Matthews, and many more. This particular album played a significant role in what has been called the "British Invasion" in the USA in the mid-'60s.

However, the big highlight of the album is the adaptation made by Alan Price (keyboards) of the traditional song "House Of The Rising Sun." The success was so immediate and immense that the band became identified with the song as few bands have with any of their major hits.

The album reached No. 7 on the Billboard and No. 6 in England.