Ray Manzarek of The Doors Dies at 74

Though Jim Morrison was the driving force of The Doors when they first formed it was Ray Manzarek that was the critical cohesive element of the band that kept the brilliant sum of its parts together and helped them be greater than the whole.  The prototypical AOR FM band in the 70's and 80's were an icon of the time that marched to a different drum with Morrison leading the way.  Most Doors songs had a catalogue of tunes with lyrics that did not follow the thematic doggeral lyrics of the day about drugs, sex and rock n' roll.  They were a deeper examination of the psyche that explored struggles with the human condition on several levels.  When Morrison died they went on to produce two more efforts:  'Other Voices' and 'Full Circle' with Manzarek singing the lead.  Though not commercially successful 'Ships With Sails' from 'Other Voices' has the classic doors sound with Manzarek voicing lyrics that still had that Doors/Morrison feel and flavor.  Manzarek died in Germany of cancer at 74.