In Memoriam
Ray Manzarek
February 12, 1939 – May 20, 2013 · aged 74
Psychedelic Rock · Blues Rock
Raymond Daniel Manzarek was the architectural genius who provided the mesmerizing, atmospheric soundscapes for The Doors. Born in Chicago in 1939, Manzarek brought his classical training and love of blues to the Los Angeles rock scene. Because The Doors famously lacked a permanent bass player, Manzarek performed double duty during their live shows: he played the hypnotic basslines with his left hand on a Fender Rhodes piano bass while simultaneously weaving intricate, swirling organ melodies with his right on a Vox Continental. His haunting, carnival-esque keyboard intro to 'Light My Fire' and the rolling, jazzy electric piano on 'Riders on the Storm' are among the most recognizable instrumental hooks in the history of rock. Following the tragic death of frontman Jim Morrison in 1971, Manzarek kept the band's legacy alive and remained a vibrant musical collaborator. He died from bile duct cancer on May 20, 2013, at the age of 74, leaving behind a cinematic, deeply psychedelic musical legacy.
Milestones
Light My Fire, Riders on the Storm, Break On Through
Also remembered in 2013
- George Jones (1931–2013)
- Jeff Hanneman (1964–2013)
- J.J. Cale (1938–2013)
- Lou Reed (1942–2013)