raymond daniel manczarek jr. (february 12, 1939 – may 20, 2013) known as ray manzarek was an american musician, singer, music producer, movie director, and author. he was best known as a founding member and keyboardist of the doors from 1965 to 1973. he was a co-founding member of nite city from 1977 to 1978, and of manzarek–krieger from 2001 to his death.