The Animals consists of Alan Price (pianist), Chas Chandler (bassist), Eric Burdon (vocalist), Hilton Valentine (guitarist), John Steel (percussionist, drummer), Zoot Money (keyboardist, vocalist).
The Animals were a British rock and roll band of the 1960s, formed in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Comprising Eric Burdon ( vocals), Alan Price ( organ and keyboards), Hilton Valentine ( guitar), John Steel ( drums), and Bryan "Chas" Chandler ( bass).
Formed during 1962 and 1963 when Burdon joined the existing Alan Price Rhythm and Blues Combo, the Animals' moderate success in their hometown and a connection with Yardbirds manager Giorgio Gomelsky motivated them to move to London in 1964, in time to be grouped with the British Invasion. They performed fiery versions of the staple rhythm and blues repertoire ( Jimmy Reed, John Lee Hooker, Nina Simone, etc). A rocking version of the standard "Baby Let Me Follow You Down" (retitled "Baby Let Me Take You Home") was their first single.
It was followed in June 1964 by the huge transatlantic hit " House of the Rising Sun". Burdon's howling vocals and Price's dramatic arrangement created arguably the first folk rock hit. (Whether the arrangement was inspired by Bob Dylan's version of the song or by blues singer Josh White's [who recorded it twice in 1944 and 1949] remains a subject of dispute, as does whether all five Animals deserved credit for the arrangement and not just Price.)
The Animals' two-year chart career, masterminded by producer Mickie Most, featured singles that were intense, gritty pop covers such as "Bring It On Home To Me" (a hit for Sam Cooke) and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" (from Nina Simone). In contrast their album tracks stayed with rhythm and blues, with Hooker's "Boom Boom" and Ray Charles' "I Believe to My Soul" being notable examples. Burdon's powerful, deep voice and the use of keyboards as much or more than guitars were two elements that made the Animals' sound stand out.