The author of the song "House of the Rising Sun" is unknown. It is a traditional folk song with murky origins and has been passed down through generations, likely evolving over time. The earliest known recording was in 1933 by Clarence "Tom" Ashley and Gwen Foster, but Ashley learned it from his grandparents suggesting it is much older. The song could have roots in English, Scottish, or French folk traditions and has been adapted and interpreted by many artists without a single clear original writer.
Note: There is also a novel titled "House of the Rising Sun" by James Lee Burke, but it is unrelated to the authorship of the song.
