Sadly Ray Manzarek, keyboard player and founder member of the 1960s rock band The Doors, has died aged 74.

The Doors came to prominence in the 1960s with hits such as “LA Woman”, “The End”, “Break on Through ( to the Other Side )” and “Hello I Love You”. The Doors sold in excess of 100 million albums worldwide and Ray Manzarek was one of the most high profile keyboardists of his era, underscoring tracks like “Riders on the Storm” and “Light my Fire” with his distinctive keyboard sound.

The original line-up of The Doors, which included drummer John Densmore and guitarist Robbie Krieger, made six albums in their six years together. Sadly the Doors “shut” prematurely when front man and lead singer Jim Morrison famously died of heart failure in a bath in Paris. Although Ray Manzarek took on the mantle of taking over from Jim Morrison as lead vocalist, the crown did not fit comfortably – Jim Morrison’s panache and charisma was a hard act to follow!!

Although Ray Manzarek wasn’t able to step into Jim Morrison’s shoes, it is fair to say that his keyboard playing was as much a part of The Doors’ distinctive sound as Jim Morrison’s powerful vocals. Infact Ray Manzarek’s keyboard play often brought levity and a lightness to offset Jim Morrison’s dark lyrics.

Regrettably due to Jim Morrison’s early death, The Doors never fulfilled their full potential and we fans are left wondering what might have been. Thankfully we were left a wonderful bank of work from those six years between 1966 and 1971 as exemplified by this Top 10 Best Doors Songs –

Top 10 Best Doors Songs –

1) Break on Through to the Other Side

2) The End

3) People Are Strange

4) Riders On The Storm

5) Hello I Love You

6) Light My Fire

7) LA Woman

8) Love Her Madly

9) Roadhouse Blues

10) The Unknown Soldier

Celebrate your favourite The Doors song in your home or office, by ordering your favourite The Doors song in a vinyl or CD format; single, album or album cover; framed and mounted as a picture disc souvenir. You can also personalise it with an inscribed / engraved plaque…… 

ORDER NOW…….. www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/

Framed vinyl records, framed CDs and framed DVDs with a personalised plaque, make unique presents or original gifts for a special celebration  / special occasion ie a Wedding ( Wedding First Dance Song ), an Engagement Party ( Our Song ), a House Warming Party ( New Home ), a 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th Birthday ( How about the No1 song on the day of birth? ), a Silver, Ruby or Golden Wedding Anniversary, Father’s or Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day!!  THE PERFECT PERSONALISED PRESENT!!