This man was three members at once, at certain points in The Doors' career. On occasion Jim would be too drunk to sing, so Ray would play oragns, bass and vocals at once. That's insane.

I was there that night on Haight Street in San Francisco sitting in the front row. I was in awe to be sitting across from such a legend. At the end of the night Ray signed my book and we had a brief conversation about John McCain of all people. It was such a wonderful night. I was surprised to find this on the internet almost 17 years later. Also, I remember there was a guy in-line in front of me for the book signing that brought everything except his kitchen sink to get signed. Ray patiently signed everything for the guy while everyone in line impatiently waited. Ray was such a good soul who truly loved life.

Today would've been Ray Manzarek's 82 birthday and unfortunately he didn't make it to his 80's and may rest his talented soul forever and ever

One can't do anything but admire Ray. Jim got all the attention when the band was active, but Ray put the band together and was its heart and soul. Here in 2019 I miss him so much. All we have left at this point is two doors up. He's a great story teller.

Ray has a cool sense of humor.

Ray never changed, forever stayed that amazing organist hippie. He is incredibly underrated and is a great musician up with the greats. Love you ray wish you were still here so i can meet you.

I noticed how in the 1960's ray would always shake his head when he played his organ and he still did at that time cool

I come back here after 3 years and I'm the only last person that had anything to say about this fantastic person? May he rest in peace. Listen to that piano playing and I almost started crying oh my God really? The truly great interview about a truly great musician in person thank you so much bye.

Miss you Ray. You are the best raconteur in rock and in general.

I saw Ray prior to his death at the bookstore in Santa Monica. He was wonderful. Full of energy and love. I miss him.

Ray died 2013, for those who might not know. What a likeable guy.

Miss this guy a lot.

What a wonderful Musician , RIP Ray 🎹🙏😌

A man who improved my quality of life. As a musician and a husband & father, I learned a lot from his warmth and intelligence. My natural state is more temperamental and bad chemicals, but I watched how Ray leveraged his foundation his roots and education and used it to make the world better.

Such a nice guy and seriously great musician. Jim was lucky to have Ray . The doors were awesome. And people still dig it today

Imagine walking into a room of people, seeing a piano, and playing like that. A fantasy that he could do. Just great.

Ray truly was the doors, he started it, he pulled everyone together, he had the patience and friendship to deal with Morrison when the others threw their hands up in disgust. His prowess as a musician is second to none. The doors were absolutely brilliant. Never will be anyone that comes close.

No wonder morrison. Liked him

I am now after over 50 years appreciating the amazing musicianship and song writing of Ray John Robbie and Jim.

Ray was a fine human being ... remembering him on the anniversary of his passing.

Omg! I cant believe I found this, I was there with my girlfriend at the time... I even got the autograph from Jonh Densmore. Tbh, the best years of my life ☯️

I love everything about Ray.

Ray was a talented genious. I love Ray. ❤️

I miss Ray. What a great story teller and organist. I love how he showed us how he composed The Doors music from jazz icons… Best band ever! ✌🏼❤️🦎

I love hearing how the music was constructed!

Ray Manzarek was such an upbeat guy. Today , 2020 would bum him out.

I always wanted to have a drink with ray and a conversation. He seemed so cool

Ray is just a really cool cat

Really fun to hear Ray breaking down "Light My Fire." Bach? Coltrane? Never would have imagined it, but there it is! After all these years, I believe I understand that song better than ever.

Such a legend! I still listen to the Doors in 2023 and will til i leave this world.

I mis ray more than I mis Jim But frankly I mis them both I hope to meet them in heaven

A legend...❤❤❤

Such a joy to watch. Rest in peace, Ray!

*R.I.P. Ray* Your presence still looms large. Those that want to know, will. and just thank you to Ben Fong-Torres to being great and appreciating and praising Ray properly while he was still with us.

Ray looked great all the way through ! What a genius.

The older I get the more I appreciate Ray as the heart of The Doors. I’m reading his memoir and loving it. I wish I could have met him❤a kindred spirit

When he speaks its awesome but in the keys its just incredible

Such an intelligent well rounded individual. Ray Manzarek.

Ray was a Brilliant player of jazz and blues! Ray had the best stories and told them well and he had a good sense of humor. Thanks for uploading this interview! Ray was on the inside and knew Jim well. I appreciate his playing because it was melodic and hypnotic. A big part of their success along with Jim’s singing!

Whoever filmed this has done wonderful work thanks for the post. And Monica for the keyboards.

I have always loved The Doors and didn't get into Jazz until like three years ago..but now I see the ties that bind them.Ray is and was and always will be a musical genius.

Man I love Ray's background music for a spoken word. Really ties the whole presentation together.

The doors endured all these years because it's great music it's that simple they're great musicians

What a creative genius Ray was! He loved talking about his work. Like just a few individuals in music, such a shame I never met him. RIP.

What a guy.. l met him once very freindly and genuinely so.

Ray was a kind gentle soul who loved music and reminded me of the art it is.

Genius never dies, it only gets appreciated more in the fullness of time.

What a player of the keys!! Amazing personality and talent.x

Totally lovable and eccentric which like the rest of the band defined the Doors.

Mad respect for our hero, Ray. He made some incredible music.

Shout out to Ben Fong-Torres, one of the authors, who is able to put the book together and to promote it as Ray is such the artist he cant stop playing and and philosophizing.

A good lifelong friend of mine, a man whom I see many look at and conclude isn't exactly the brightest crayon when it comes to common sense at times, is one of the most gifted pianist's I've ever experienced in my life. I've never understood his absolutely unyielding self critical mentality towards everything he does in life. It could be a mistake in a video game, one single missed note in an otherwise perfect performance, one inch too close to the curb, he goes through such internal punishment that he will never be as good as he NEEDS to be. Anything but his best...is unacceptable. Comparing himself to entire lifetimes of work, believing that he can never reach such aims. To most it would appear, that something he says he loves, causes him so much pain and frustration, but it is that unrelenting persuit to get better that drives him. It isn't about being a Lubomyr Melonyk, or rivaling Jordan Rudess's phantom infinity prog opera wizardy, you can't measure what makes you a good player based on your technical ability. It isn't how fast you can play, it doesn't take a Juilliard degree, it doesn't matter if you can play 100 songs off the top of your head... You have to love it. I'd be utterly stunned at his ability to create totally original sounds off the cuff at a moments notice. Jazz, blues, rock, some boot scoot n' boogie, Neo classical silliness, organ, keyboard, didn't matter. I've wanted my entire life to play any instrument at all other than drums. Especially piano, when I see players ability to understand scale profession of notes in each key and know how to tie that all together to make exactly what they want... Play around with the keys to dial it it in, but got what they want within minutes, is just so gnarly. It's a language, you stop playing at one point, and you start speaking it. It's been a dream I hope in one life I can see through, there is so much music dancing in my head begging to get out. I'm sure some in that situation would feel envy, but all I see and hear is sheer beauty and amazement. I've sworn up down left and right, for years at how talented and gifted he is, it's interesting to see someone hold such an impossibly high threshold for themselves. Especially knowing I and many others would just about murder a man to be able to do. What he considered to be bad, was like Paul Gilbert shredding, to any other musician. I'll tell you what man I could sit back for hours and listen to that kid whale. When everyone hanging out was trying to play cards, or go out to eat, watch a movie, it was static in the background. He'd just keep playing, people would ask him to stop, and he'd go on for a bit longer. I'd be the only one watching... a genius at work. I realized something that Ray helped shine a light on for both of us. I'd always say let it go man, just have fun, just play man. Feel the music, don't calculate it. There's no fucking rule book, you aren't required to go from A to Z you can go back to F before you gry to T, it's not a race, and there is no finish line. You gotta lose yourself to it. After hearing that nonsense long enough, I think he sort of figured, if they aren't having fun how can I? So after listening to records for awhile, kind of searching for different sounds and groups, we started getting heavy into The Doors. His only exposure to The Doors was Riders on the Storm. Which he played often, with a lot of neat improv over the years. Pulling up some live stuff I kept telling him just watch Ray man just watch Ray... It's like he goes into a trance, totally absorbed in the music, always floating in the wind, changing at a moments notice, just feeling the music out. You can almost see the shift in energy Ray and Densmore have right before Jim and Robby explode. All while keeping that trance just loving in the music. An Emerson, Lake, and Palmer or two later Santana Abraxis, All Day Music WAR, etc etc. Just play! Like that never ending game at the sandlot. No one kept score, no one knew the inning, it was just play for play. I watched him slowly but surely break free. The relief you could see on his face after all those years of literal self torture never fades. Seriously cool to see from a guy you'd probably least expect. A genius in his own way. He made me realize that I hold myself to just as impossible of a standard as he did. Totally eating my own words, I could never touch a piano because how could I ever play at that level? It took him most of his life. Ryo Fukui, having never touched a piano before 1969, 6 years later he channeled an absolute jazz masterpiece that almost defies belief. 1976 Scenery - Early Summer Nothing is impossible if you just dream

Remember when we could hang out together, sit next to each other, and actually talk to each other and see one another's faces? * Sigh * -- Seems like centuries ago -- Gone are the days . . .

Rays voice whether thru speaking or thru those gorgeous keyboards was a thing of beauty I always treasured. The Doors were a quirky band in that they had all these incredible contradictions as band members but made it work. Jazz piano and drums,a poet lyricist frontman shaman, and a versatile guitarist. No bass no problem lol

Ray is my favorite rock raconteur (in addition to being an outrageously gifted keyboardist/bass player). However, I always get the sense that either he doesn't fully understand or intentionally understates just how magnificent and innovative The Doors music really was. Perhaps it's due to the trauma of losing Jim, which effectively put an end to the band. In my estimation, The Doors rank in the top three rock bands of all-time. Like Hendrix and The Who, The Doors were WAY, WAY AHEAD OF THEIR TIME!!!

Ray was the old man that someday I want to be.

one thing i have to say, this book was a throw back to the cd and vinyl days, where you bought a cd for the lyrics inside, the album art, the band photos puking on backstage floor with drummers downing beers... also obviously they had to get the black leather pants cover for the book. Much love Ray

I love Ray's demonstration of all the components of 'Light My Fire' - God, I miss this guy! Great musician, brilliant raconteur, great sense of humour. What a fabulous feature!

Ray Manzerick Great Organist the way he played that organ was pure talent his play &Robbie's guitar Johns drum Jims voice it put you in the picture of the scene they were painting with voice &music thank you The Doors

The Only Keyboard Player I Never Got Tired of No One Like Him Before Or After

Wow, blow me away!! I've always loved and felt his music 🎼 first from the radio, t.v. since I was like 10 years old. My father sprung a few dollars back then, for a couple early DOORS vinyls. Man, With all my innocence I did groove with my dad to Riders and Light my fire. Fast forward, well to 2020, my father is 85 and I are in the "parlor". Song comes on the TV , I think. "Comon.baby, light my.. 🔥 fire!! We just look at each other..O.M.G....!! Rip Dad, Jim and Ray. Yup, forever in my heart and soul

May God bless you Ray a gentleman so nice love ❤❤you so much God bless all the Doors members ❤❤

Ray was a genius and a total head. I love this man so much and what he contributed to the Doors music and the music world in generak. RIP Ray...Say hi to Jim

BFT and RM...wonderful combination. Manzarek asks, 'who were the other SF bands? Someone shouts out, 'Love!' And as we all know, Aurthur Lee's band was another Los Angeles group. It always seemed to me that the Doors and Love exemplified the difference between the two West Coast citys; SF with it's peace and love, LA with it's slightly darker undertones...that was certainly reflected in the music.

Ben Fong Torres proves he can't resist every rock critic's ultimate fantasy - to sing with the band. ;)

Ray was the beat behind the music. He drove the sound, he was the soul.

The ENDLESS CELEBRATION of the Doors...Love eternal, a love SUPREME!

Man, it'd be a GIANT honor to have Ray play piano as I spoke publicly..

Ray taking us along for the ride. 😎

Ray Manzarek was a brilliant musician.

WOW, what an intro by Ray ❤

Great idea for an upload! Ray was a great ambassador of the band after the break up. A natural teacher.

This off the charts. Ray is playing Riders

Miss you Ray.....the backbone of The Doors!

Total legend! love the Q&A

not enough people know how great a man this guy was.

Ray - The Doors music is what my older Brother Dan played very loud to wake me up in the 3rd grade. I really enjoyed it. Thanks, and Bless

I love ray manzarek and the doors!

2022… and my youngest has made his third trip to LA to listen to Robby Krieger.. The Doors music is everlasting! We still mourn Rays passing and also Jim’s. Rock on guys!

When Jim sang somewhere way back in the brain, he was referring to Ray’s left brain and right brain adept ability to play the left hand accompaniment and right melodic parts! Ha! A true musical talent. Ray marked an epoch in keyboardist history. He and Jim are missed.

Ray grew up on southside chicago. Went to all biys catholic school st ritas. Went to depaul. Was a classicalky trained pianist.set up a fundraising concert that had sonny rollins and dave brubek. No dought ray spent time in blues clubs in south and west sides of city. Only white boys who went were mucisions. Looking for a interview he tell about a pheonix show that morrison was late to. Hour and half. They all assummed he would show up trashed but he came somber. Also with two of the stewardrees who didnt beleive who he clsimed to be. Ray said they played a great show. Couple of days later they hear that jagger wss there in front row and when asked said he was not that impressed. Ray was pleased to hear that jim said. If i knew he eas there i woukd have invited him up to sing with us. Ray then said wre not a band where we dance around the stage we play blues and rock. Jagger is a showman. Jim is a shaman. Only time ever heard ray give another artist a shot.

Time is just a moment that we occupy in this brief spin around the planet. Ray Manczarek

Que gran profesional, mi grupo favorito, no ha habido nadie como ellos, viva Doors por siempre, los amo

Ray is my favorite keyboard player. Just brilliant!

Ray seems so normal and kind guy for a psychidelic rock star.

The best organ keyboard player ever plus a genuine smart guy with a degree turn in to this legendary musician

Ray - what a great human being.

That's a great book, I have it...Probably my favorite book regarding The Doors.

Gentleman Ray. You were, and still are the best of the best.

Miss you really❤

I love that intro to Light my fire. The Doors never used a base player. They had Manzarek's left hand keeping the steady base line .The summer of 66 each beach blanket had a transistor radio tuned to the same a.m. station and "Light My Fire" is the song I remember most

Ray was an incredible musician

Loved this vid, so much fun listening and enjoying the stories. Miss having Ray around, he like Jim was so talented and unique, thanks for sharing.

Interesting how Ray Manzarek wanted Iggy Pop to replace Jim Morrison and many recordings were made with Iggy & the Doors. Pop has a very similar voice to Morrison that you can hear on some cuts like 'Sister Midnight.' Unfortunately, right before the Doors were about to announce the news Iggy disappeared on a heroin binge because Iggy supposedly didn't want to be the ghost of Jim Morrison per Iggy's biography by Paul Trynsk "OPEN UP AND BLEED."

Thank you for both documentary. I'm awestruck

Ihad a conversation with Ray, he was great person!!!!

THE legend continues...

I never get tired of hearing Ray tell stories. He had a great narration voice. He’s on the other side with Jim now..

I'm glad he laid the blame appropriately for the Doors biopic and didn't shit on Kyle Maclachlan. He's a class act. And what speaker doesn't want Ray Manzarek doing mood music in the background...

Who ever was there present, you guys and gals where lucky. To be able to have this legend tell stories about the Doors and Jim. Also playing some Doors tunes in piano, just amazing. I recently picked up this book of eBay and I’m a happy Doors fan. My collection is growing. Cheers everyone…stay healthy and beautiful.