Ray Manzarek passed away today.  I loved his keyboard playing back when I was listening to the Doors in the sixties and seventies.  I used to try to learn the organ parts on Light My Fire; and would sit on the floor mesmerized by The End.  His was an important contribution to our culture and to my life.  Thank you Ray.

Here's a very nice video of a live version of .

While the Grateful Dead were the glorious sunshine, the Doors were the mystical night.  I mean no disrespect to Jim Morrison when I say was the least gifted of the band; he shared the stage with 3 towering talents.  I am deeply saddened.
 
Peter

Heard this news this morning on my way to work and was deply saddened. The great shame is this is probably the only time the BBC will play Light my fire all the way through on their flagship radio channel.  
 
Graeme

RIP RAY!
 
G

The Doors were soooo good.  The songwriting, advanced playing...Jim's crooning.  From what I gather..Ray shaped Jim's vocals and stage manner.  
 
RIP Raymond Daniel Manzarek

I've always tended to think of Morrison as a very good front man, no more, no less, never bought the whole 'Lizard King' bag.  I think you could have had The Doors with another front man, but you could have NEVER had The Doors without Ray Manzarek.
 
J o e y