Eric Burdon
Eric Victor Burdon, born on May 11, 1941, in Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, is a renowned English singer and songwriter. He is celebrated for his deep, powerful blues-rock voice and intense stage performances, making him one of the most distinctive singers of the British Invasion. Burdon initially rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the R&B and rock band The Animals, contributing to hits like "House of the Rising Sun," "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," and "We Gotta Get Out of This Place." Following The Animals, he joined the funk band War, where he achieved further success with the hit "Spill the Wine."
Burdon's early life was marked by challenges, including asthma and a difficult school environment. Despite these hardships, he found solace in music, drawing inspiration from American blues and jazz artists like Ray Charles and Bo Diddley. His friendship with music legends such as Jimi Hendrix and John Lennon further influenced his career.
Throughout his career, Burdon has been associated with various music labels and has released nearly 50 records, both with bands and as a solo artist. His contributions to music have earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 1994, and he was ranked 57th in Rolling Stone's list of "The 100 Greatest Singers of All Time" in 2008.
In addition to his musical achievements, Burdon has explored painting and writing, continuing to record and tour as a solo artist. He has been married three times and has a daughter from his second marriage. Despite legal challenges regarding the use of "The Animals" name, Burdon remains a celebrated figure in rock and roll history.