Social : Joined group 1965 (Founded The Doors)
Work : Published/ Exhibited/ Released 1966 (Doors premiere, Elektra label)
Relationship : Marriage 1967 (Dorothy)
Social : Left group 1973 (The Doors disbanded)
Work : Published/ Exhibited/ Released June 1998 (Autobiography, Light My Fire) chart Placidus Equal_H.
Death:Death by Disease 20 May 2013 (cancer, age 74) chart Placidus Equal_H.
American musician, famous as the key boarder with the rock group "The Doors." He founded the group along with Jim Morison, whom he met in 1965 at UCLA. They rehearsed several months before they were hired as a house band for Whiskey-a-Go-Go for four months. In 1966, their debut album premiered under the Elektra label and was an instant success due to widespread radio play. The following year, they encountered more success with the huge hit "Light My Fire." Their second album "Strange Days" became a classic. In 1973, the group disbanded. Manzarek, however, along with Robbie Krieger continued to produce recordings for several different Los Angeles bands. His autobiography came out in June 1998, "Light My Fire." Manzarek and his wife, Dorothy, have been together since 1967. Their son Pablo, born in 1974, has a band with an album out. Link to Wikipedia biography Read less
Ray Manzarek was born on February 12, 1939, in Chicago, United States. He is best known as a founding member and keyboardist of the rock band The Doors, which was formed in 1965. His innovative keyboard playing and musical creativity were instrumental in the band's success, and he contributed significantly to the distinctive sound that characterized The Doors.
Although Ray Manzarek passed away on May 20, 2013, his legacy continues to be celebrated. In recent years, there have been several tribute events and re-releases of The Doors' music, keeping his memory alive. In 2021, a special edition of The Doors' self-titled debut album was released, featuring remastered tracks and previously unreleased live performances, garnering attention from fans and critics alike.
Ray Manzarek's influence extends to social media platforms, where fans and music enthusiasts share memories and discuss his contributions to music. There are several fan pages on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter dedicated to celebrating his life and work. These pages often post rare photos, videos, and anecdotes about Ray and The Doors, providing a space for fans to connect and share their appreciation.
While Ray Manzarek himself is no longer involved in new projects, his music continues to inspire new generations of musicians. Various artists and bands cite The Doors as a major influence, and covers of their songs are frequently performed. In addition, documentaries and books about The Doors and Ray Manzarek are continually being produced, offering deeper insights into their history and impact on rock music.
Ray Manzarek's legacy is firmly cemented in the history of rock music. His unique style of keyboard playing, blending rock, jazz, blues, and classical influences, set a new standard for rock musicians. The Doors' music remains influential, and their songs continue to be played on radio stations worldwide. Ray's artistic vision and musical innovation have left an indelible mark on the world of music.
For those interested in learning more about Ray Manzarek, several biographies and documentaries are available. Notable mentions include his autobiography "Light My Fire: My Life with The Doors," which provides a personal account of his experiences with the band. Additionally, the documentary "Mr. Mojo Risin': The Story of L.A. Woman" offers insights into the making of one of The Doors' most iconic albums.