Raymond Daniel Manczarek, Jr., better known as Ray Manzarek (born 12 February 1939), is an American musician, singer, producer, film director, writer, co-founder, and keyboardist of The Doors from 1965 to 1973, and the Doors of the 21st Century (renamed Riders on the Storm) since 2001.

Early life and career

Ray Manzarek is of Polish descent, born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, as were his parents. Growing up, Ray took private piano lessons from Bruno Michelotti and others. He originally wanted to play basketball, but he only wanted to play power forward or center. When he was sixteen his coach insisted either he play guard, or not at all, and he quit the team. Manzarek said later if it was not for that ultimatum, he may never been in The Doors. He went to Everett Elementary School on S. Bell St. and attended St. Rita High School in Chicago.Manzarek, Ray. Light My Fire. New York: Berkley Boulevard Books, 1998. ISBN 04125170454