Ray Manzarek 1939-2013

22 May 2013

Ray Manzarek, co-founder and keyboardist of The Doors, has died aged 74. Manzarek founded The Doors in 1965 with Jim Morrison, and his keyboard playing was integral to the band’s sound and their worldwide recognition. Ray continued to play with guitarist Robby Krieger following the death of Morrison in 1971, as well as playing with other bands including Iggy Pop and Echo and the Bunnymen. Since 2002, Krieger and Manzarek toured with the Cult frontman Ian Astbury as the Doors of the 21st Century.

‘I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend and bandmate Ray Manzarek today. I'm just glad to have been able to have played Doors songs with him for the last decade. Ray was a huge part of my life and I will always miss him.’–Robby Krieger

Genesis are privileged to have worked with Ray and he will be missed. Last night the nightclubs of Hollywood’s Sunset Strip dimmed their lights at 9.31pm, the time of Ray’s death the previous day, as a tribute to the musician.

Left: Photograph taken from CALIFORNIA DREAMING © Henry Diltz