Ray Manzarek (born Raymond Daniel Manczarek to Helena and Raymond on February 12, 1939 in Chicago). A Polish-American musician, producer, movie director, writer, and a co-founder and the keyboardist of The Doors, from 1965 to 1973, and in the Doors of the 21st Century since 2001.
Manzarek also recorded a rock adaptation of Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana" with Philip Glass, produced Echo and the Bunnymen and Los Angeles band X, and played with Iggy Pop and backed San Francisco poet Michael McClure's poetry readings.
During his time with the Doors he is widely regarded as being one of the most influential keyboardists in rock and roll history by changing the spectrum of ability a keyboardist has. This is in largely due to the fact that since the Doors lacked a bassist Manzarek would often play those parts with his Fender Rhodes Piano Bass.
He is famous for playing the keyboard by not looking at the keys and shaking his head throughout songs.
He has recently written a novel Snake Moon to be released by Nightshade Press.
In Oliver Stone's biopic "The Doors," Manzarek was played by Kyle MacLachlan.
