Ray Manzarek was born in Chicago in 1939, making him the oldest member of the group.
Ray studied classical piano at the local conservatory and recieved a bachelor's degree at DePaul University before
heading to Los Angeles and the UCLA film school.
After a short stint in the army, Ray returned to the UCLA film school where he met a young Jim Morrison. It was an encounter on the Venice beach that led to the forming of the Doors,as seen in the Oliver Stone film. After Jim recited the first verse of "Moonlight Drive", Ray remarked "Let's starts a rock and roll band and make a million dollars."
Ray played the organ. He also played the bass lines on a synthisizer when the Doors played live, as well as singing backing vocals, and lead vocals on the few occasions Jim would either not show or be too incoherent to take the stage. He remained with the group for two albums following Jim's death; and the Grammy nomiated LP, American Prayer, before releasing his first solo effort The Golden Scarab. Most recently, he has rejoined the group for 1995's CD release of American Prayer, and the recent release of the Doors Boxed Set.
[ Books | Tabulature | Poem of the Month | What's New | Links | Message Board ]