Sunday (February 12th) marks what would have been the 84th birthday of Doors' co-founder and keyboardist Ray Manzarek. Manzarek died on May 20th, 2013 at age 74 in Rosenheim, Germany at the RoMed Clinic following a long battle with bile duct cancer. Manzarek was surrounded by his wife Dorothy and his brothers Rick and James Manczarek. Manzarek is survived by Dorothy, their son Pablo, his wife Sharmin, and their three children Noah, Apollo, and Camille.
Last month, the Manzarek estate and Doors guitarist Robby Krieger — sold their complete rights in the band to Primary Wave Music. The deal does not include the interests of fellow surviving member, drummer John Densmore, nor the estate of Jim Morrison.
Recently released is the Doors' latest Record Store Day release titled, Paris Blues. The blues-themes set features the official premiere of the band's last unheard unreleased song — “Paris Blues.” The title track is an original blues song written by the band; the track was recorded during one of the band’s recording sessions for either The Soft Parade or L.A. Woman (no one seems to remember).