Ray Manzarek

Ray Manzarek
Manzarek in 1971
Born
Raymond Daniel Manczarek Jr.

(1939-02-12)February 12, 1939
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
DiedMay 20, 2013(2013-05-20) (aged 74)
Rosenheim, Germany
Occupations
  • Musician
  • songwriter
Years active1959–2013
Spouse
Dorothy Aiko Fujikawa
​
​
(m. 1967)​
Children1
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
  • Keyboards
  • vocals
LabelsElektra
A&M Records

Raymond Daniel Manzarek Jr. (né Manczarek; February 12, 1939 – May 20, 2013) was an American keyboardist. He is best known as a member of the rock band The Doors, co-founding the group in 1965 with fellow UCLA Film School graduate Jim Morrison. Manzarek is credited for his innovative playing and abilities on organ-style keyboard instruments.

Manzarek was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 as a Doors member. He was a co-founding member of Nite City from 1977 to 1978 and of Manzarek–Krieger from 2001 until he died in 2013. USA Today described him as "one of the best keyboardists ever".[3]

  1. ^ Hornbostel, Brendan (May 24, 2013). "UCLA Alumnus and the Doors Keyboard Legend Dies at 74". Daily Bruin. Retrieved May 16, 2021.
  2. ^ Charone, Barbara (August 15, 1974). "Ray Manzarek Opens a New Door: Jazz". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 15, 2021.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Cava was invoked but never defined (see the help page).