RAY MANZAREK BEFORE THE DOORS: RICK AND THE RAVENS RECORDINGS
Ray Manzarek, keyboardist for The Doors, grew up in 1950s Chicago in a family of Polish descent. His musical background was therefore shaped by two main influences: Blues and Jazz. In 1961, he moved to Los Angeles, California, to pursue his university studies (he was twenty-three years old at the time). One year later, in 1962, he decided to join Rick And The Ravens, a band his two brothers had formed a few years prior, preceding him on their move to the American West Coast. Following Manzarek's arrival, the group became a sextet: Ray Manzarek (piano and vocals), Jim Manzarek (electric organ and harmonica), Rick Manzarek (electric guitar), Patrick Stonier (alto saxophone), Roland Biscaluz (electric bass), and Vince Thomas (drums). From the start, their goal was to align with the two musical trends gaining popularity among young audiences: early-1960s Rhythm And Blues and Surf Rock. Over the next two years, Rick And The Ravens played regularly on the Los Angeles student ci...
