Britain says "Happy Birthday" to an old musician called Alan Price

Alan Price, musician, is 69 today.





What you possibly didn't know about Alan, that he :

* was a self-taught musician educated at Jarrow Grammar School, South Tyneside and a founding member of the 'The Alan Price Rhythm and Blues Combo' in 1962 which was later renamed 'The Animals'.

* played the organ on songs such as 'House of the Rising Sun', 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood' and 'Bring It On Home To Me' which was a key element in success of the group.

House of The Rising Sun :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmdPQp6Jcdk

Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2FT4FprxDg

* left the group in 1965 to form 'The Alan Price Set' and enjoyed success with 'I Put A Spell On You', the Randy Newman song 'Simon Smith and His Amazing Dancing Bear' and, in 1968, 'Don't Stop The Carnival'.

I Put a Spell on You :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xBBvmF9VI0

Simon Smith :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNQS1Rhfvzo

Don't Stop the Carnival :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTJKpV0JJwY

* with Georgie Fame, introduced the songs of Randy Newman to a wider audience
and produced 'Rosetta' in 1971.

Rosetta :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB3fncWyVN4

* in 1973, wrote the music for Lindsay Anderson's film 'O Lucky Man!' and performed on screen in the film appearing as himself in one part of the storyline.

* recorded the autobiographical album 'Between Today and Yesterday' in 1974 from which the single 'Jarrow Song' was taken which returned him to the 'singles chart'.

* in 1983, took part in 'The Animals' last world tour with his solo performance of 'O Lucky Man' included in their set.

* recorded two albums with 'The Electric Blues Company','Covers' in 1994 and 'A Gigster's Life for Me' in 1996.

* still tours the UK with his own band and 'The Manfreds', 'The Searchers' and 'The Hollies'.