A founding member of the 1960s rock group “The Doors” has died.  Ray Manzarek passed away with bile duct cancer at a clinic in Germany.  He was 74.   Manzarek’s keyboard playing on “Light My Fire” has often been called one of the most recognizable sounds in rock history.

In a 2010 interview Manzarek summed up what he felt was the essence of the group.  “The Doors are a psychedelic rock band from the 60s.  They took L.S.D.  They opened the doors of perception.  They saw the universe as an infinite place.  They saw each individual human being as God.  Now, from that place and from studying their instruments and art forms, they came together to make music on the beach in Venice, California.”

The Doors sold more than 100 million records. Ray Manzarek’s death comes 42 years after the death of lead singer Jim Morrison.