Every Tuesday we play British music from the 1960s. Today we’re not only mourning the death of a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist, we’re also celebrating the music he left us.
Hilton Valentine, guitarist with The Animals, passed away on January 29 at the age of 77. His guitar arpeggio introduction to the Animals’ 1964 signature song The House of The Rising Sun would have, on its own, made him a notable figure in rock and roll history but as you can hear below, his contributions to so many classic Animals songs from 1964 to 1966 solidified his worthy position in the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame.
Following his departure from the band in late 1966, his efforts as a solo artist failed to generate much interest and he gradually withdrew from the music scene.
But in 2011, he released Skiffledog on Coburg St, an acoustic skiffle album which brought him several well-deserved critical reviews. I have ended the medley with a song from that final album.
Memories … That’s What We’re All About
Play button is on the left … Volume slider is on the right
Hilton Valentine Medley
Good morning, Ray. What a pleasant surprise this morning. I knew today would involve music from across the pond but a tribute to Hilton Valentine was totally unexpected. I was sad to read of his passing the other day and he certainly deserves this recognition, so thank you. The Animals possessed a raw, gritty sound that separated them from other acts of the era. The Stones come to mind as another band that referenced the blues as their inspiration but aside from their first album, I didn’t hear it as clearly as the Animals, who consistently echo their inspiration. I don’t fancy myself an expert on the Blues but Eric and the boys always presented hurt and heartbreak that I associate with the style. I can visualize the bleak, hard scrabble streets of urban, industrial England. I think “depression “ is to hard a word but I can feel the angst and urgency to escape the fate of their fathers. Oh man, I think I’m getting to heavy here so I’m going to stop. Hilton was obviously a key part of their success and his skill and imagination is on full display in this medley. Thank you, Ray for honoring a man who helped make my teenage years enjoyable and continues to this day. Rock on Ray!
Don, thank you for a wonderful commentary! It is never “too heavy” when you’re speaking from your heart.
The Animals stayed true to their blues roots until Eric Burdon formed the New Animals and drifted towards a more psychedelic sound. A shame, really, because Burdon could sing the blues so well.
You’re 100% correct about the Stones abandoning their blues approach after their first album. Blues may have been their original preference but it was rock and roll that brought in the money.
As for Hilton, his love of “skiffle” music never waned, as indicated by his last solo album, an all acoustic affair which in my mind was fantastic, even if it was not a commercial success. He never made a lot of money with the Animals (mismanagement again) but he stated in a 2012 interview that he was “happy with my lot in life” and isn’t that what’s it all about.
And on that note, I am heading outside to shovel snow! Be safe, my friend and …
ROCK ON, BRO!
A celebration indeed! Fantastic sound and style in these songs, which wouldn’t have been possible without Mr. Valentine. When a favorite can’t be chosen, that is a sign of a well-balanced medley! Remember, I’m right across the river with AWD if you need a hand with snow removal. Stay cozy and have a peaceful day! 🙂 XOXOXOXO 🙂
Thanks, Wendyl 🙂
Hilton was certainly not in the class of Clapton or Beck when it came to British guitarists, but his contributions to the Animals were perfect for what they wanted to produce. Not a lot of flash, just solid blues-oriented guitar.
I’m all shoveled out (for now because it’s still snowing) but thank you for your sweet offer. ❤️
Stay Safe … Stay Warm
❤️XOXOXOXO❤️
Still some of my favorite music of the 60s. One of the four or five 8 track albums I had in my 69 Roadrunner was the Animals. Thanks once again Ray!
Thanks, Marty. Great to have you back again! The Animals were one of the quintessential bands of the 1960s. Lots of great memories!
ROCK THE DAY, MY FRIEND!
I remember camping with the family, which we did often, meeting a girl there that said I looked like him. I immediately fell in love with her! – for that weekend and one or two more. My hair looked like his and I certainly did not have sideburns back then at 13 or 14! Loved their music. Still have an album.
Thank you Ray!
Thanks, Jim 🙂
I am so glad I brought that memory back for you!
Have a great weekend, my friend!
“House of the Rising Son” may be the only song that I know from beginning to end. I used to sing it as loud as I could along with the record player in my 3rd floor bedroom in the Victorian house that we lived in. It had a full wall that was covered with a collage of magazine clippings from 1969 – 1971. Wish I had a picture of that wall! Wonder what ever happened to it when my parents sold the house.
You too, Ray. Super-Bowl and supper-bowl food!