Hilton Valentine, founding Animals guitarist, dies at 77

LONDON (AP) — Hilton Valentine, the founding guitarist of English rock and roll band The Animals who is credited with coming up with one of the most famous opening riffs of the 1960s, has died.

He was 77. The band’s label ABKCO Music confirmed that Valentine’s wife said he died on Friday. The band’s most famous song, 1964’s “The House of the Rising Sun,” topped the charts in both the U.K. and the U.S.

Valentine also heard on other classics by the band including “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” and “Don’t Bring Me Down.”

PHOTO – In this April 7, 1983 file photo, British pop group The Animals, from left, Hilton Valentine, Chas Chandler, John Steel, front row, Alan Price, and Eric Burdon, pose for photographers after announcing plans for a world tour, in London, England. (AP Photo, File)

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