At the time of his death, Ray Manzarek was an American musician, singer, producer, film director, and author with a net worth of $25 million. Ray Manzarek was best known for co-founding and performing with the rock band the Doors.

Additionally, he co-founded and was a member of the band Nite City and Manzarek-Krieger, the latter of which was a collaboration with Robby Krieger, his former Doors bandmate. Manzarek also had a solo career, releasing albums including “The Golden Scarab” and “Carmina Burana.” Ray Manzarek passed away on May 20, 2013, at age 74.

Early Life

Raymond Sr. and Helena gave birth to Raymond Daniel Manczarek Jr. on February 12, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois. He had Polish ancestry. After graduating from St. Rita of Cascia High School on Chicago’s Southwest Side in 1956, Manzarek enrolled at DePaul University.

There, he played the piano in his fraternity’s jazz band, played football, and served as the speech club’s treasurer. Manzarek received a degree in economics from DePaul in 1960. The following year, he enrolled at the UCLA School of Law, but he struggled to adjust to the program.

Before dropping out, Manzarek transferred to UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television. Subsequently, he joined the US Army and was assigned as a prospective intelligence analyst to the Army Security Agency. Manzarek re-enrolled in UCLA’s film program after completing his military service and went on to earn his MFA in cinematography in 1965.

Individual Life and Death

Manzarek wed fellow UCLA graduate Dorothy Aiko Fujikawa in late 1967. In 1973, the couple welcomed a son called Pablo. They split their time between West Hollywood, California, and New York City, and eventually moved to Beverly Hills. During the latter ten years of his life, Manzarek resided in Napa Valley with his wife.

2013 saw the diagnosis of a rare kind of cancer Manzarek. He traveled to Germany to obtain a particular treatment but died a few months later at age 74.

Career Beginnings

In the early 1960s, Manzarek joined the surf rock band Rick & the Ravens, alongside his brothers Rick and Jim, as well as Patrick Stonier, Roland Biscaluz, and Vince Thomas. John Densmore and Jim Morrison, Manzarek’s fellow UCLA film students, eventually joined the band. Rick & the Ravens released three singles and a demo acetate for Aura Records.

Solo Career

Manzarek began his solo career in 1974 with the release of “The Golden Scarab,” and shortly thereafter published “The Whole Thing Began with Rock and Roll, Now It’s Out of Control.” Both were met with a lukewarm reception from audiences at the time. In 1983, Manzarek returned to solo recording with a rock rendition of Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” cantata. After an increasingly lengthy hiatus, he returned in 2006 with the album “Love Her Madly.”

Dark City

In 1977, Manzarek co-founded the rock group Nite City with lead vocalist Noah James, guitarist Paul Warren, bassist Nigel Harrison, and drummer Jimmy Hunter. The band issued two studio albums, self-titled and “Golden Days Diamond Nights,” however none was commercially successful.

Manzarek-Krieger

The band Manzarek-Krieger, which Manzarek co-founded with former Doors bandmate Robby Krieger in 2002, was Manzarek’s most notable late-career musical endeavor. The band, whose lineup changed frequently throughout the years, toured widely performing Doors repertoire.

Facts About Ray Manzarek

• Ray Manzarek passed away on the 20th of May, 2013.
• Date of birth: February 12, 1939
• Zodiac Sign Aquarius
• He performed The Doors’ bass lines on his Fender Rhodes piano due to the absence of a bassist in the band.

Ray Manzarek Wife

On December 21, 1967, Manzarek wed fellow UCLA graduate Dorothy Aiko Fujikawa in Los Angeles, with Jim Morrison and his longtime companion Pamela Courson as witnesses. Manzarek and Fujikawa were wed until his passing.

FAQs

What was Ray Manzarek’s Net Worth?

Ray Manzarek has a net worth of $25 million.

What was Ray Manzarek’s stature?

1.84 feet was the height of Ray Manzarek.

Where exactly was Ray Manzarek born?

Ray Manzarek was born in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.

What was Ray Manzarek’s date of birth?

The date of Ray Manzarek’s birth was February 12, 1939.

Was Ray Manzarek Married?

Ray Manzarek’s marital status was married.

READ ALSO

• John Aniston Cause of Death: John Aniston’s Residence, Property & Net Worth
• Amy Coney Barrett Net Worth: What is the Salary of Amy Coney Barrett?
• Who is Andrew Morton? Who Plundered Andrew Morton’s House?