Why do so many bands make reference to the house of the rising sun?

Question

i know what it is but what makes its so popular a subjects

heres the 2 that i know the back of my head

animals-house of the rising sun

charlie daniels band-devil went down to georgia

Answer 1

There is a house in New Orleans

They call the rising sun

It's been the ruin of many a poor boy

And God I know I'm one

Yep that was the Animals back in the 1960's, and there have been lots of references to it since.  You know it's a brothel, right.

The Devil Went Down to Georgia is a good song too.

Answer 2

I understand that the original "House of the Rising Sun" was a brothel in New Orleans. In addition to the sexual 'frisson' brothels employed some marvelous musicians and singers (including Billie Holiday) to entertain the clientelle. To my mind it provides a natural focal point for the "jazz" culture.

Answer 3

The song is also popular at "open mic" nights when girls get up on stage with their guitars and try to sing like Joan Baez.