Died On This Date (May 20, 2013) Ray Manzarek / Keyboardist For The Doors
themusicsover Ray Manzarek
February 12, 1939 – May 20, 2013
Ray Manzarek was the co-founder and keyboardist for legendary rock band, the Doors. Born in Chicago, Manzarek moved to Los Angeles to attend UCLA film school during the early ’60s. It was there that he met Jim Morrison who told him he had written some songs and sang him a rough version of “Moonlight Drive,” and the Doors was born. In January of 1966, John Densmore and Robby Krieger were added to the mix, and the group soon became the house band at The London Fog in Hollywood. Unfortunately, the group did very little to bring new patrons into the dingy bar so they were eventually fired only to be picked up by the Whiskey a Go Go the very same day. Their first gig at the Whiskey was opening for Them which got them some notice, and lead to a contract with Columbia Records. After languishing there for a few months they asked to be released from their contract and were soon signed by Jac Holzman to Elektra Records. The band’s first album, simply titled The Doors debuted in January of 1967 and soared to #2 on the Billboard charts on its way to selling over 12 million copies. The album included the band’s biggest single, “Light My Fire.” The Doors went on to become one of the most important rock bands all time thanks to their brilliant compositions and Morrison’s dynamic stage presence. After Morrison’s untimely death in 1971, the band forged on as a trio until calling it quits in 1973. In later years, the Doors occasionally reformed for special engagements. Outside of the band, Manzerek released several solo albums and formed a group he called Nite City. He also collaborated with the likes of X, Echo & the Bunnymen, and Iggy Pop. On May 20, 2013, Ray Manzarek died from bile duct cancer. He was 74.
What You Should Own
George Jones was country music, period. Born in Saratoga, Texas, Jones took to country music as early as 7 years old. He was given his first guitar at nine, and when he turned 16, he left home to pursue his career in music. After serving in California during the Korean War, Jones’ career sped into overdrive. His first hit, “White Lightning” came in 1959, and for the next fifty years, he had at least one every year. His wild days are legendary, in fact, he was so often late for his own concerts due in part to his indiscretions, one of a handful of his nicknames was No Show Jones. Another was The Possum, but the name that has been tagged to him for over two decades prior to his death is the most fitting, The Greatest Living Country Singer. Such a great singer in fact, that the late great 
Rita MacNeil was a popular Canadian folk and country singer who had the honor of outselling both Garth Brooks and Clint Black in Canada during 1990, at the height of their careers. Born and raised on the eastern tip of Nova Scotia, the incredibly shy MacNeil was 27 when she first performed on stage – relatively late by pop music standards. The year was 1971, and within just a few years, she recorded her first album and was becoming a popular draw along the Canadian folk festival circuit. Based on her growing popularity and work on behalf of women’s rights, MacNeil was secretly spied upon by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Security Service on the unwarranted suspicion that she had communist ties. Her first single of note was 1986’s “Flying On Your Own” which reached #42 on the Canadian charts and was covered by Anne Murray the following year. MacNeil went on to have numerous hits throughout the ’80s and ’90s, both in Canada and the UK. In all, she released 24 albums which sold in the millions. During the mid ’90s, MacNeil hosted her own CBC variety show, Rita And Friends. Over the course of her career, she was recognized with a Juno, five honorary doctorates, and was a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Nova Scotia. On April 16, 2013, Rita MacNeil died unexpectedly from complications of a surgery. She was 68.
Scott Miller was the founder and lead singer for Northern Californian ’80s college rock band, Game Theory. Formed in 1981, the critically acclaimed group released several albums including their 1987 classic, Lolita Nation. Although the album received near universal praise, it failed to succeed at the cash registers so eventually went out of print. Due to its influence on more recent bands, original copies of the CD have since become highly collectible and valuable. The band released four proper albums before calling it quits in 1989. Miller went on to for the Loud Family in 1991, and again, the band released several critical faves but eluded much success beyond a cult following. He was reportedly planning to reunite with Game Theory and record a new album during the summer of 2013. Scott Miller was 53 when he passed away on April 15, 2013. Cause of death was not immediately released.
George Jackson was an American southern soul singer and songwriter who penned a number of songs that became major hits throughout the ’70s and ’80s. Born in Greenville, Mississippi, Jackson eventually settled in Memphis where he wrote songs for such studios and labels as FAME, Goldwax, Muscle Shoals, Malaco and Hi Records. Over the years, Jackson released numerous records but none achieved the popularity of song of his that were recorded by others. In 1970, the Osmonds recorded his “One Bad Apple,” which ultimately topped the pop charts. And Bob Seger had a huge hit with “Old Time Rock And Roll” thanks in part to Tom Cruise’s iconic dance scene to it in the 1983 film, Risky Business. The song, co-written with Thomas Jones III, has since become a Classic Rock staple. Jackson’s “The Only Way Is Up” as performed by Yazz and Coldcut topped the US dance charts and UK charts in 1988. Others who have recorded his include Otis Clay, 