Great Animals Live contains songs originally recorded in December 1963, prior to the band being signed by EMI in the U.K.. The nine cuts feature raucous performances of R&B and blues covers including "Baby Don't You Worry" and "Night Time Is the Right Time" with the legendary Sonny Boy Williamson, who was a major influence on the group. Over the years, this material has been reissued to death, and is usually credited to the Animals with Sonny Boy Williamson.