Ray wrote or co-wrote many of the Doors' songs. He added so much to "Light My Fire" that almost no one can deny that it was indeed his song.
Ray was often at loggerheads with the other band members, particularly former drummer Ray Manzarek. Strangely, according to his book, (which I have shamefully only skimmed and not read in its entirety) he was probably Jim Morrison's closest ally in the band -- "strangely" because Jim prided himself on being an artist and not caring about commerce whereas Ray wanted to market The Doors' music to willing buyers. I don't fault Ray for wanting to make a profit from the songs, but I agree wholeheartedly with Jim's refusal to alter the songs' lyrics so they would fit into a radio jingle. Those disputes occurred quite frequently.
There are so many ironies that have accompanied his death today. Last week I got into a long conversation with an autograph dealer about Ray. He had a bad experience with Ray a few weeks earlier (last month).
***A few hours ago*** I received this signed photograph from a very reliable dealer whose signatures pass every professional third party authentication company's tests to which I submit them:
John Densmore publicly announced two years ago that he won't sign anything anymore, and when Ray was alive he was an extremely difficult person-- at least according to the dealer with whom I spoke last week.
So I'm even prouder to own this piece of history.
NPR did a great interview with Ray during 1998, which they replayed a few years ago. I listened to it during '98, though.
(Insert rapidly-aging man's lament as the insane passage of time here.)
Listen to it here:
NPR interview
There was no keyboard player on the planet more appropriate to support Jim Morrison's words. Ray, I felt (cont) tl.gd/n_1rkd60d
— John Densmore (@JohnDensmore) May 20, 2013
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