As a kid I remember hearing "House of the Rising Sun" sung by Josh White. "What a song", I thought..and what a wonderful guitarist. Then I heard Ronnie Gilbert and Fred hellerman of the Weavers do it, and once again I was impressed with the song and the delivery (and Hellerman's jazzy chords).

I heard Dylan's version, and it drew me into the story instantly. It was like it was happening "at that moment". I know how much some folks absolutely HATED his treatment ("screaming, nasal wheezes...destroying the song", etc....) but it was that version (copied by the Animals) that went around the world....and nobody could honestly say he "commercialized" the song. He simply put the "anger" in it.

Rick