Lead vocalist of the Animals, known for his powerful, bluesy voice and hits like "House of the Rising Sun" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood".
With his powerful, blues-rock voice and electrifying stage presence, Eric Burdon is one of the most iconic singers to emerge from the British Invasion of the 1960s. As the lead vocalist of the Animals and later, War, Burdon's distinctive sound has left an indelible mark on the music world.
Born on May 11, 1941, in Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Burdon grew up in a working-class family with a strong connection to his Irish and Scottish roots. His early life was marked by struggles with asthma and a tumultuous school experience, which he later described as a "dark nightmare" reminiscent of Charles Dickens' works.
Despite the challenges, Burdon's passion for music and art led him to meet John Steel, the original drummer for the Animals, at art school. This chance encounter set the stage for Burdon's rise to fame with the Animals, whose hits like "House of the Rising Sun" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" catapulted them to international stardom.
In the 1970s, Burdon joined forces with the funk band War, producing classics like "Spill the Wine" and "Tobacco Road." This new chapter in his career marked a significant shift towards a more soulful, psychedelic sound, solidifying Burdon's status as a musical innovator.
Burdon's contributions to music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including being ranked 57th in Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time in 2008. He has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Animals.
Throughout his career, Burdon has been vocal about his social and environmental concerns. He has spoken out against war, pollution, and social injustice, using his music as a platform for raising awareness and promoting change.
Burdon's impact on modern music is undeniable, with his influence stretching across genres from rock to funk to soul. His music has inspired countless artists, including Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, and Tom Petty, among many others.
"I'm just a singer, but I'm a singer with a message. I'm a messenger, and my mission is to make people aware of what's going on in the world."
Eric Burdon's legacy extends far beyond his impressive discography. He has left an indelible mark on the music world, inspiring generations of artists and fans alike with his unwavering passion, commitment to social justice, and unforgettable voice.
85 Years Old
A British musician and songwriter, best known for being a founding member and original lead vocalist of the Animals, a prominent rock band in the 1960s.
84 Years Old
A founding member of The Animals, this British musician is renowned for his soulful organ playing and distinctive vocals on hits like "House of the Rising Sun" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood".
87 Years Old
A renowned bassist and producer who played a crucial role in shaping the sound of iconic bands like The Animals and Jimi Hendrix Experience, and later discovered and managed Slade.
92 Years Old
A British blues legend, known for his iconic guitar playing and influential blues-rock sound, which has inspired countless musicians.
Born in 1920
A pioneering jump blues singer known for his smooth, soulful voice and hit songs like "Ain't Nobody's Business" and "Times Gettin' Tougher Than Tough". He helped bridge the gap between blues and rhythm & blues.
66 Years Old
A renowned singer-songwriter and guitarist, blending rock, blues, and soul to create a unique sound, and leading iconic bands like Gov't Mule and the Allman Brothers Band.
84 Years Old
A legendary guitarist, songwriter, and producer who helped shape the sound of soul and R&B music, penning iconic hits like "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" and "Green Onions".
