[Bluehorseshoe]

May 20 2013 05:26 PM ET

Ray Manzarek, keyboardist for the Doors, has died at 74
by Leah Greenblatt
Tags: Classic rock, RIP, The Doors

Comments 39
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Ray Manzarek, the founding keyboardist for the Doors, passed away this morning in Germany, according to a statement from his publicist. The cause was bile duct cancer.

As a member of the legendary rock band that formed in 1965 in Los Angeles and effectively ended with the death of frontman Jim Morrison in 1971 (though the group continued to perform and release music in other iterations for many years), Manzarek became an enduring symbol of the era — he was portrayed by Kyle McLachlan in the 1991 Oliver Stone biopic The Doors, and wrote a best-selling memoir about his experiences, Light My Fire: My Life with The Doors, in 1998.

The Doors sold more than 100 million albums worldwide on the strength of hits like ”Hello, I Love You,” “Riders on the Storm,” “Light My Fire,” and “Break On Through to the Other Side.”

Manzarek is survived by his wife Dorothy, son Pablo, and three grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made in Manzarek’s name to standup2cancer.org

[GUMMO77]

Manzarek always came across as a nice guy. He pretty much created The Doors. He taught Morrison how to sing (some would say not so well), write songs, and always accepted Jim and his faults. Without Ray, The Doors probably would have dismantled very early.

RIP, brotha.

[PAULYPOKER]

Finally gets to meet back up with Jimmy.............

[GUMMO77]

Finally gets to meet back up with Jimmy.............

Wait, he's not in Africa living as Mr. Mojo Risin?

[str]

In that exact time , the Doors were unique, yet the same.

They were way out there, like Hendrix, and a few others, compared to many, that were way out there, compared to everyone else new, in the eyes of adults.

Kids, and young adults, had a choice. Most took a less radial stance to split the difference, for acceptance with the " established older people".

Those that chose the safer route probably did OK. I am so glad I did not. I am none the worse for wear.

One of the greatest bands to ever play albeit for not long enough.

Thank you Ray. RIP sir.

[CountNo_Account]

[InTheDrink]

Wait, he's not in Africa living as Mr. Mojo Risin?

jamaica with tupac

[TheCentaur]

I woke up this morning and I got myself a beer...the future's uncertain and the end is always near...let it roll baby roll