House of the Rising Sun (1970) 9/5/20

Lots of links today, and they all tie into a musical history lesson!

The origin of today's “Great Song of the '70s” is very much in doubt. Some musicologists believe “The House of the Rising Sun” evolved from a 16th or 17th century English ballad.

Others claim it had something to do with King Louis XVI of France and was brought to America by the early settlers of Louisiana. (Hence the reference to the 'House in New Orleans”).

Over the years, it was filtered through delta blues and Appalachian folk music, and the lyrics were altered significantly. Even the gender of the protagonist changed from male to female and back several times, and the time signature could be either 4/4 or 6/8, depending on the artist and arrangement.

The first known recorded version was in 1933, and country music legend Ray Acuff recorded it in 1938. (see link). The long list of subsequent recordings included versions by Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Leadbelly, Joan Baez, and even Andy Griffith.

Bob Dylan recorded it in 1961, (see link) and then came Eric Burdon and The Animals.

In 1964, their version (in 6/8 time) was a “Great Song of the '60s.” It was Top 10 in EIGHT countries, including #1 in the US, Canada and the UK. This is the version everyone remembers...but there was another hit version on the horizon, and I firmly believe it was a “Great Song of the '70s!

In 1970, a rock band from Detroit, the Frijid Pink, was recording an album and had some leftover studio time. On a whim, they decided to crank out a version of the song in 4/4 time—and when it was released, it became a Top 10 hit in THIRTEEN countries, including #1 in Germany and Norway, #3 in Canada and #7 in the US!

The song was so big, Frijid Pink went on a worldwide tour and hired an opening act for their concerts. Led Zepplin. Yup.

Unfortunately, They were a one hit wonder, but their opening act managed to squeak out a few hits of their own. :-)

“House of the Rising Sun:” A “Great Song” of the '70s (and possibly the 1670s!)

Frijid Pink:

Eric Burdon & The Animals:

Bob Dylan:

Roy Acuff: