Ray Manzarek Biography
Ray Manzarek (born
February 12, 1939 in Chicago) was the keyboard player in the rock
and roll band, The Doors, from 1965 to 1973 and again since 2001.
Manzarek also recorded a rock adaptation of Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana" with
Philip Glass, produced Los Angeles band X, and played with Iggy Pop and backed
San Francisco poet Michael McClure's poetry readings.
During his time with the Doors he is widely regarded as being one of the most
influential keyboardists in rock and roll history by changing the spectrum of
ability a keyboardist has. This is in part due to the fact that since the Doors
lacked a basist Manzarek would often play those parts.
His autobiography entitled "Light My Fire" is among the most perceptive and
beautiful accounts of the life and times of The Doors.
He is also currently directing a movie called Riders on the Storm, due to be
released in 2005.
He is Polish-American.
In Oliver Stone's biopic "The Doors," Manzarek was played by Kyle MacLachlan.
The Doors Lyrics
Artist Biographies