The Animals Origin: Newcastle upon Tyne, England Genres: Rock, R&B, blues, psychedelia The Animals formed in Newcastle upon Tyne in the early 1960s. Fronted by the deep-voiced Eric Burdon, the band was known for its gritty, bluesy sound. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 . Eric Burdon came in Number 57 on a Rolling Stone poll of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. The Animals have two songs in the Rock & Roll Hall of fame's list of 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.