Tune du Jour: “House of the Rising Sun” – Traditional
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Adolescents vs. John Otway vs. Nina Simone
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Oh Mother, Tell Your Children,
Not to Do What I Have Done,
Spend Your Life Devouring Broccoli,
In the House of the Rising Sun
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The House of the Rising Sun is a traditional folk song. Its origin may date back as far as the 16th century, sharing some thematic resemblance to the British ballad, The Unfortunate Rake. The oldest known recording of the song, under the title Rising Sun Blues, is by Appalachian artists Clarence “Tom” Ashley and Gwen Foster, who recorded it for Vocalion Records on September 6, 1933. The most successful commercial version, recorded in 1964 by the British rock group The Animals, was a number one hit on the UK Singles Chart as well as in the United States, Canada and Australia. The Animals version of the song has been described as the “first folk-rock hit”.
Earliest Known Recording
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Clarence “Tom” Ashley and Gwen Foster:
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The Most Popular
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The Animals:
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THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
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Adolescents vs. John Otway vs. Nina Simone
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Adolescents:
John Otway (with substantial audience participation):
Nina Simone:
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Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. It is your solemn responsibility to decide which cover song prevails. In other words … Which Side Are You On?!!?
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Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.
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