About the song
The Animals “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” on The Ed Sullivan Show
On October 17, 1964, the British rock band The Animals appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, a popular American television variety show. The band performed their hit song “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” which had been released earlier that year. The song was a cover of a 1960 song written by Benjamin Benjamin and Gloria Caldwell, but The Animals’ version became the definitive version of the song.
The Animals’ performance of “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” on The Ed Sullivan Show was a watershed moment in the history of rock music. The band’s performance was electrifying, and it helped to introduce the British Invasion to a wider American audience. The song’s message of tolerance and understanding resonated with young people around the world, and it helped to make The Animals one of the most popular bands of the 1960s.
The Animals
The Animals were a British rock band formed in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1962. The band’s original lineup consisted of Eric Burdon (vocals), Alan Price (keyboards), Chas Chandler (bass), Hilton Valentine (guitar), and John Steel (drums). The Animals were one of the most successful British Invasion bands of the 1960s, and they had a string of hit singles, including “The House of the Rising Sun,” “I’m Crying,” and “We Gotta Get Out of This Place.”
The Animals’ sound was influenced by a variety of genres, including blues, rock and roll, and folk music. The band’s lead singer, Eric Burdon, had a powerful and soulful voice, and he was able to bring a wide range of emotions to his singing. The Animals’ music was often dark and intense, but it was also infused with a sense of hope and optimism.
The Animals disbanded in 1966, but they reunited several times over the years. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”
“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” is a song written by Benjamin Benjamin and Gloria Caldwell. It was originally recorded by the American singer Nina Simone in 1960, but it became a hit when it was covered by The Animals in 1964.
The song is a mid-tempo ballad about a person who is feeling misunderstood and lonely. The song’s lyrics are simple but effective, and they perfectly capture the feeling of isolation. The Animals’ version of the song features a powerful vocal performance by Eric Burdon, and it is considered to be one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” has been covered by many artists over the years, including Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, and The Doors. The song has also been used in several films and television shows, including The Sopranos and The Wonder Years.
The Ed Sullivan Show
The Ed Sullivan Show was an American television variety show that aired on CBS from 1948 to 1971. The show was hosted by Ed Sullivan, and it featured a wide range of performers, including musicians, comedians, and actors. The Ed Sullivan Show was one of the most popular television shows of its era, and it helped to launch the careers of many famous performers.
The Animals’ performance of “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” on The Ed Sullivan Show was a major moment in the band’s career. The performance helped to introduce the band to a wider American audience, and it made them one of the most popular bands in the world. The performance is still considered to be one of the greatest live television performances of all time.
Conclusion
The Animals’ performance of “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” on The Ed Sullivan Show was a watershed moment in the history of rock music. The performance was electrifying, and it helped to introduce the British Invasion to a wider American audience. The song’s message of tolerance and understanding resonated with young people around the world, and it helped to make The Animals one of the most popular bands of the 1960s.