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Way back in 1965, keyboardist Ray Manzarek and some hippie poet named Jim Morrison formed The Doors. The Doors would go on to become one of the most popular and iconic bands of the 60’s. Mazarek’s keyboard playing was a large part of what distinguished The Doors in the first place.
Sadly, Mazarek passed away yesterday after a bout with cancer. He was 74.
See also: –2011 interview: Ray Manzarek talks about what motivates him.
Even after Morrison passed away in 1971, Manzarek remained very musically active. As late as 2011, Manzarek was touring with guitarist Roy Rogers in support of the excellent Translucent Blues.
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In 2011, I was lucky enough to speak with Manzarek prior to his appearance at the Granada Theater and he was as honest and humble as any legendary rocker could be. You can read the full interview here; below, he talks about why he kept making music for all those years.
Is there anything left to prove?
Ray Manzarek: It’s not a matter of proving anything. It’s about immersing yourself in the rhythm of the universe, the rhythm of creation. And you join that if you are lucky. Sometimes, you don’t get into the depths of the energy. What’s you’re trying to do is have a transcendental experience. That’s what you’re shooting for.
