An era has come to an end with the demise of Ray Manzarek, the co-founder and keyboard player of The Doors. The veteran musician died at the age of 74, in the hospital in Rosenheim, Germany after his long battle with adenocarcinoma or bile duct cancer.
After spending his earlier years in Chicago, Manzarek moved to Los Angeles in 1962 to study film at UCLA and there he first met the legendary Jim Morrison.
One of the most influential rock bands of the 1960’s, The Doors, split soon after their front man, the iconic star Jim Morrison, died in July 1971. Ray kept himself busy playing with artists like Iggy Pop and Echo and the Bunnymen. Almost 30 years after the death of Morrison, Manzarek and guitarist Robby Krieger made an attempt to infuse new life into the band and formed a group The Doors, 21st century. However, their decision proved to be wrong soon after, as they were accused of improperly using Doors brand name and image. They had to pay a compensation of 1.5 million pounds to the estate of Jim Morrison and drummer John Densmore.
Manzarek is survived by his wife Dorothy, a son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren. The music industry paid tribute to the late musician.
