Ray Manzarek (1939-2013)

Ray Manzarek, co-founder and keyboardist for The Doors, author, producer and filmmaker, passed away today after a bout with cancer.  He was 74.

If Jim Morrison was the soul of The Doors, Ray Manzarek may have been the band’s heart.  It was Manzarek, who during a chance meeting on Venice Beach, convinced a shy Jim Morrison to share his lyrics/poetry with the world and form a band.  Manzarek’s interest in Transcendental Meditation would later connect him with Robby Kreiger and John Densmore and The Doors were born.  Manzarek’s deep knowledge of blues, jazz and even classical music helped The Doors to create their unique sound that made them one of the best of the bands that were emerging out of the L.A (or any area for that matter).  On stage, Manzarek had to carry double duty playing keyboards with one hand and, with the aid of either a Fender Rhodes of Vox Continental combo organ, played the bass parts with the other.  After Morrison’s death in 1971, Manzarek led The Doors through two albums before the band called it quits in 1973.  He would later work with artists ranging from Philip Glass to Iggy Pop.  Manzarek also become a noted producer working with Echo & The Bunnymen and producing landmark albums by X.

Manzarek did not hold back on his criticism of the Oliver Stone film based on The Doors and his memoir Light My Fire: My Life With The Doors presented a more three dimensional look at the band.

A skilled musician, producer, author, and filmmaker, Ray Manzarek was indeed a vital part of one of the most revered rock bands in history.