Unraveling the origins of a timeless melody can be as captivating as the song itself. In the case of the “rising sun – song,” famously known as “House of the Rising Sun,” we embark on a musical detective journey, tracing its evolution from the shadows of obscurity to the bright lights of global recognition. The true genesis of this iconic tune remains shrouded in mystery, with no definitive songwriter credited. The earliest known recording, dating back to September 1933, adds another layer of intrigue to its already compelling narrative.
According to historical records, Appalachian artists Clarence “Tom” Ashley and Gwen Foster first brought the song to a wider audience under the title “Rising Sun Blues.” Ashley recounted learning it from his grandfather, Enoch Ashley, who was married around the American Civil War era. This anecdotal evidence suggests the song’s roots may stretch back to the pre-turn of the 20th century. The lyrics themselves have sparked debate, particularly concerning the “House of the Rising Sun” itself. Was it a brothel? A women’s prison? Or a purely metaphorical place of despair? The ambiguity only deepens the song’s allure.
Image alt text: Black and white photograph of Clarence “Tom” Ashley and Gwen Foster, early Appalachian musicians known for “Rising Sun Blues”.
The 1930s were a fertile period for documenting and preserving American folk music. Folklorist Alan Lomax, a pivotal figure in this movement, traversed the United States, particularly the South, diligently recording lesser-known folk melodies. During this era, Lomax captured a version of “The Rising Sun Blues” performed by Georgia Turner, a 16-year-old from a mining family in Kentucky.
Image alt text: Alan Lomax, renowned folklorist, pictured recording legendary blues musician Lead Belly, highlighting Lomax’s dedication to preserving American folk music.
Matt Marshall, a writer for American Blues Scene, highlighted an intriguing aspect of these early versions. Despite originating from the Appalachian region, Ashley from Tennessee and Turner from Kentucky were geographically separated by over 100 miles – a significant distance in the 1930s. Yet, their renditions of the song bore striking similarities. This raises fascinating questions about musical dissemination in a pre-digital age, long before widespread radio and personal vehicles. How did melodies like “Rising Sun” propagate across vast distances? The answer likely lies in the era’s transient populations – perhaps traveling musicians, or even hobos riding freight trains, acting as conduits for cultural exchange, much like the “traveling minstrel show” alluded to by Steely Dan.
As “rising sun – song” journeyed through the American landscape, it resonated with numerous folk artists, each adding their unique interpretation. Folk icon Dave Van Ronk recounts how he put his own stamp on the song, influencing a young Bob Dylan. Van Ronk explains, “I put a different spin on it by altering the chords and using a bass line that descended in half steps—a common enough progression in jazz, but unusual among folksingers… By the early 1960s, the song had become one of my signature pieces.”
The narrative takes a turn when Dylan, early in his career, expressed interest in recording Van Ronk’s arrangement of “House of the Rising Sun.” As Van Ronk recounts, Dylan sheepishly admitted to already recording it for his debut album. This incident, though perhaps a minor transgression in the grand scheme of music history, hints at the sometimes blurry lines of influence and originality in folk music. Dylan’s version also notably shifted the perspective, using “many a poor girl” and singing from a female viewpoint, a change some considered closer to the song’s inherent spirit.
Spotify Link to Bob Dylan’s Version
The “rising sun – song” reached its zenith of mainstream popularity with The Animals in 1964. While touring with Chuck Berry in England, The Animals included “House of the Rising Sun” in their setlist. Its electrifying reception prompted them to record it swiftly between tour dates. Eric Burdon, The Animals’ frontman, declared, “‘House of the Rising Sun’ is a song that I was just fated to. It was made for me and I was made for it.” Remarkably, their iconic rendition was captured in a single take, testament to their honed live performances.
Image alt text: The Animals band publicity photo, 1964, showcasing the British rock group that popularized “House of the Rising Sun” globally.
The Animals’ version of “House of the Rising Sun” became a defining anthem of the burgeoning folk-rock movement, topping charts in both the US and UK. Some music historians suggest that Dylan’s move towards electric instrumentation was influenced by the immense success of The Animals’ electric rendition, bringing the song’s journey full circle. Whether this is factual or folklore, The Animals irrevocably cemented “House of the Rising Sun” into the global music consciousness.
Spotify Link to The Animals’ Version
Finally, the narrative touches upon Joni Mitchell’s interpretation of the “rising sun – song.” From an archival album, Mitchell’s version is described as “beautiful, haunting and quite affecting,” highlighting the song’s enduring capacity to be reimagined and emotionally resonant across diverse artists and styles.
The saga of the “rising sun – song” is a testament to the organic evolution of folk music, its transmission through generations, and its capacity to morph and adapt while retaining its core emotional power. From its obscure origins to its global acclaim, “House of the Rising Sun” continues to captivate listeners, its enigmatic narrative and haunting melody echoing through time.
