# The Animals

> English rock band

**Wikidata**: [Q131422](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131422)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Animals)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-animals

## Summary
The Animals was an English rock band formed in 1962 or 1963, known for their blues-rock sound and hits like "House of the Rising Sun." Led by vocalist Eric Burdon, the band became a cornerstone of the British Invasion and influenced generations of musicians with their energetic performances and distinctive style.

## Key Facts
- **Formed**: 1962 or 1963
- **Genre**: Blues rock, hard rock, psychedelic rock, British blues, rhythm and blues
- **Country of Origin**: United Kingdom
- **Notable Members**: Eric Burdon (vocals), Alan Price (keyboards), Hilton Valentine (guitar), John Steel (drums), Chas Chandler (bass)
- **Record Labels**: Columbia Records, Decca, MGM Records, Jet Records, I.R.S. Records, Atco Records, Atlantic Records
- **Notable Albums**: *The Animals* (1964), *The Twist* (1964), *Animal Tracks* (1965)
- **Notable Songs**: "House of the Rising Sun," "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," "We Gotta Get Out of This Place"
- **Inducted into**: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1994)
- **Aliases**: Eric Burdon and the Animals, Animals & Friends, The New Animals
- **Wikipedia Title**: The Animals
- **Wikidata Description**: English rock band

## FAQs
**What genre of music did The Animals play?**
The Animals played blues rock, hard rock, psychedelic rock, British blues, and rhythm and blues. Their music blended rock with blues influences, creating a distinctive sound that defined their era.

**Who were the original members of The Animals?**
The original members of The Animals included Eric Burdon (vocals), Alan Price (keyboards), Hilton Valentine (guitar), John Steel (drums), and Chas Chandler (bass). Each member contributed uniquely to the band's sound and success.

**What are some of The Animals' most famous songs?**
Some of The Animals' most famous songs include "House of the Rising Sun," "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," and "We Gotta Get Out of This Place." These tracks became anthems of the British Invasion and remain iconic in rock music.

**Which record labels were The Animals associated with?**
The Animals were associated with several notable record labels, including Columbia Records, Decca, MGM Records, Jet Records, I.R.S. Records, Atco Records, and Atlantic Records. These labels played a significant role in the band's career and success.

**What is The Animals' legacy in the music industry?**
The Animals' legacy in the music industry includes their influence on British rock, their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and their contributions to blues-rock fusion. The band's energetic performances and distinctive style continue to inspire musicians today.

## Why It Matters
The Animals played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of British rock music during the 1960s. Their blues-rock fusion and energetic performances helped define the British Invasion, influencing countless bands and artists. The band's success with hits like "House of the Rising Sun" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" cemented their place in music history. Their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame underscores their significance in the evolution of rock music. The Animals' legacy continues to resonate, inspiring new generations of musicians and fans alike.

## Notable For
- Pioneering blues-rock fusion in the UK
- Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1994)
- Launching the careers of key members like Eric Burdon
- Creating iconic songs that defined the British Invasion
- Collaborating with major record labels like Columbia and Decca
- Influencing generations of rock musicians with their distinctive sound

## Body
### Formation and Early Career
The Animals were formed in 1962 or 1963 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. The band was initially known as The New Animals and consisted of Eric Burdon (vocals), Alan Price (keyboards), Hilton Valentine (guitar), John Steel (drums), and Chas Chandler (bass). Their early performances at local clubs and venues helped them gain recognition in the UK music scene.

### Musical Style and Influences
The Animals' musical style was a blend of blues, rock, and rhythm and blues. They were influenced by American blues artists like Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf, which shaped their distinctive sound. Their energetic performances and powerful vocals set them apart from other bands of the era.

### Breakthrough Success
The Animals achieved breakthrough success with their debut album *The Animals* (1964), which included the hit single "House of the Rising Sun." The album's success was followed by *The Twist* (1964) and *Animal Tracks* (1965), further establishing the band's reputation. Their songs "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" and "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" became anthems of the British Invasion.

### Record Labels and Collaborations
The Animals were signed to several notable record labels, including Columbia Records, Decca, MGM Records, Jet Records, I.R.S. Records, Atco Records, and Atlantic Records. These labels played a significant role in the band's career, helping them reach a global audience. Their collaborations with these labels contributed to their success and influence in the music industry.

### Legacy and Influence
The Animals' legacy in the music industry includes their influence on British rock, their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and their contributions to blues-rock fusion. The band's energetic performances and distinctive style continue to inspire musicians today. Their songs remain iconic in rock music, and their impact on the British Invasion is enduring.

### Notable Members and Contributions
The Animals' members, including Eric Burdon, Alan Price, Hilton Valentine, John Steel, and Chas Chandler, each made significant contributions to the band's success. Burdon's powerful vocals and stage presence were pivotal to the band's appeal, while Price's keyboard skills and Valentine's guitar playing added depth to their sound. Steel's drumming and Chandler's bass work provided the rhythmic foundation for their music.

### Awards and Recognition
The Animals' contributions to the music industry were recognized with their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. This honor underscores their significance in the evolution of rock music and their lasting impact on the genre. Their achievements have been celebrated by critics and fans alike, solidifying their place in music history.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/jan/31/hilton-valentine-founding-guitarist-in-the-animals-dies-aged-77)
2. [Source](https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/animals)
3. MusicBrainz
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Czech National Authority Database
6. BBC Things
7. Discogs
8. Google Knowledge Graph