Eric Burdon is a British singer-songwriter best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band The Animals. Born on May 11, 1941, in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, he gained fame in the 1960s with hits like "House of the Rising Sun" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood." His powerful voice and emotive style helped define the sound of the era. In addition to his work with The Animals, Burdon has had a successful solo career and collaborated with various artists. He is known for blending rock, blues, and funk, and has been influential in the music industry for decades, earning recognition as a key figure in the British Invasion.