Doors keyboardist, rock ’n’ roll icon
Ray Manzarek, the keyboardist and a founding member ofThe Doors who had a dramatic effect on rock ’n’ roll, has died. He was 74.
Manzarek died Monday at the RoMed Clinic in Rosenheim, Germany, surrounded by his family, said publicist Heidi Robinson-Fitzgerald. Robinson-Fitzgerald said his manager, Tom Vitorino, confirmed Manzarek died around 2:30 p.m. central time, after a long fight with bile duct cancer.
Manzarek founded The Doors after meeting then-poet Jim Morrison in California. The band went on to become one of the most successful rock ’n’ roll acts to emerge from the 1960s and continues to resonate with fans decades after Morrison’s death.
Manzarek, a Chicago native, remained active in music after Morrison’s 1971 death. He briefly tried to hold the band together by serving as vocalist, but eventually the group fell apart. He played in other bands over the years, produced other acts, became an author and worked on films.
The Doors were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Manzarek is among the most-notable keyboard players in rock history.
His lead-instrument work with the band at a time when the guitar often dominated added a distinct flavor that matched Morrison’s imagery and persona.
The Doors, which also included guitarist Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore, have sold more than 100 million albums. Manzarek and Krieger reunited to tour in recent years.
Manzarek is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his son, Pablo; and two brothers, Rick and James.
Northwest Arkansas, Pages 12 on 05/21/2013