Hilton Valentine, Founding Guitarist For The Animals, Dies At 77

Hilton Valentine, the guitarist for British Invasion band The Animals known for his iconic guitar riff on the group's version of "House of the Rising Sun," has died at the age of 77.

Abkco Music, The Animals' label, confirmed the musician died on Friday in a statement posted to its website.

"We, along with all of the music world, mourn the loss today of Hilton Valentine a founding member of The Animals. Valentine was a pioneering guitar player influencing the sound of rock and roll for decades to come. His death was revealed by his wife, Germaine Valentine," the label said in a statement.