Like so many folk songs, the House of the Rising Sun‘s true “origins,” along with exactly where — or even what the Rising Sun was have been washed away by time. The earliest recording I can find is by Clarence Ashley and was called "Rising Sun."
In 1964, The Animals covered the song and it became the most popular remake of the song to date.
As I've said before - - such a cute, adorable boy-ish look this lead singer has -- yet, from him bursts forth this deep, deep soulful singing voice! I love that almost-paradox! :)
All covers of Dylan's material, for starters. Bob was arguably the greatest lyricist of all time, but couldn'tsing. Dr and the Medics did a great cover of Norman Greenbaum's Spirit In The Sky, without the feedback issues - to be fair, Greenbaum didn't have effects pedals. My favourite cover of all, however, is Icehouse's remake of Public Image Ltd's Disappointed, recorded for the stage musical Berlin.