Ray Manzarek Dies: ‘The Doors’ Keyboardist And Founding Member Dead At 74; Why?

It's a sad day for Rock N' Roll.

Ray Manzarek, keyboardist and founding member of legendary band "The Doors," passed away this morning at the RoMed Clinic in Rosenheim, Germany after a lengthy battle with bile duct cancer. The musician was 74.

At the time of his death, Manzarek was surrounded by his wife Dorothy, and his brothers Rick and James. He also has a son, Pablo, and three grandchildren.

"I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend and bandmate Ray Manzarek," said "The Doors" guitarist Robby Krieger in a statement. "I'm just glad to have been able to have played Doors songs with him for the last decade. Ray was a huge part of my life and I will always miss him."

"The Doors" formed in 1965 in Los Angeles and effectively ended with the death of frontman Jim Morrison in 1971. They sold more than 100 million albums worldwide with hits like "Hello, I love you," "Riders on the storm," "Light my fire," "L.A. Woman," "The End" and "Break on through to the other side." The group did continue to perform and release music for many years after Morrison's death and Manzarek became a symbol of the era.

Ray's family has asked that in lieu of flowers, fans should make an in memoriam donation in Manzarek's name to Standup2cancer.org.

To remember his greatest hits, here's a playlist to cheer up your mood and be thankful that he will live forever in his music.