The organist was Alan Price. He was also Dylan’s organist when he toured the UK. Alan Price was only on the first two albums and some of the third. He had a fear of flying and when the Animals became popular and had to tour the States, Price bowed out. That original band with Price on keyboard and of course Eric Burdon’s vocals was as you said ‘amazing.’
Yep.
I knew the story of Alan Price and his fear of flying. IIRC, after the Animals, he became involved in producing.
As an entrepreneur, my business interfaces with the music industry and I’ve been fortunate to receive mastering credits on iconic & classic albums that have been re-mastered for gold CD and 180g vinyl.
That’s where I heard the Alan Price/producing story...but it was quite some time ago and sometimes the old memory chip sputters a bit.