The Doors founding member Ray Manzarek dies at 74

Ray Manzarek,a founding member of 1960s rock group The Doors,whose versatile and often haunting keyboards complemented Jim Morrison’s gloomy baritone and helped set the mood for some of rock’s most enduring songs,has died. He was 74.

Manzarek died Monday in Rosenheim,Germany,surrounded by his family,said publicist Heidi Robinson-Fitzgerald. She said the musician’s manager,Tom Vitorino,confirmed Manzarek died after being stricken with bile duct cancer.

The Doors,which also included drummer John Densmore and guitarist Robbie Krieger,has retained a large and obsessive following decades after Jim Morrison’s death,in 1971.

“There was no keyboard player on the planet more appropriate to support Jim Morrison’s words,” Densmore said. “Ray,I felt totally in sync with you musically. I will miss my musical brother.”