Valentine's ghostly and circular guitar riff on the song "House of the Rising Sun" helped make The Animals' 1964 recording of the folk staple one of the most evocative versions ever recorded.
In a career that spanned more than six decades, she commanded attention on the screen and the stage and was known for roles that reflected her experience as an African American woman.
The actress seemed game for anything: She played a heartbroken lover in The Last Picture Show, a creepy housekeeper in Young Frankenstein and even competed on Dancing With the Stars.
The former home run leader died last week at age 86, and was remembered as a caring — the kind person who cared as much for his community as he did for his sport. The funeral is Wednesday.