Ray Manzarek, keyboardist for The Doors, solo composer, producer, author and raconteur, died today at a clinic in Rosenheim, Germany, after a long battle with cancer; he was 74.

The Chicago-bred Manzarek (born Ray Manczarek) brought virtuosic technique and an array of classical and jazz influences to his work with the band, most famously in the Bach-derived intro motif he concocted for their debut smash, "Light My Fire." A brilliant improviser, he also provided the bass for the group's live shows with his left hand.

He and singer Jim Morrison met when both were UCLA students in 1965 and decided to form a band; The Doors would go on to become one of the decade's most incendiary, revolutionary acts, spawning huge hits and massive sales but also arrests and controversy.

After the singer's death in 1971, Manzarek carried on the Doors name with bandmates Robby Krieger and John Densmore; the trio released two albums of their own music together in the '70s, after which the keyboardist formed the short-lived band Nite City. He teamed up with his old bandmate to form Manzarek-Krieger in 2001, and the two have intermittently toured with various lineups performing classic Doors material.

He published Light My Fire: My Life With the Doors in 1998 and two novels thereafter, produced four classic albums by L.A. punk legends X, recorded with Phillip Glass and delighted in sharing both the music and mythology of The Doors with fans young and old.

"I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend and bandmate Ray Manzarek today," said Krieger. "I'm just glad to have been able to have played Doors songs with him for the last decade. Ray was a huge part of my life and I will always miss him."

"There was no keyboard player on the planet more appropriate to support Jim Morrison's words," reads a statement from Densmore. "Ray, I felt totally in sync with you musically. It was like we were of one mind, holding down the foundation for Robby and Jim to float on top of. I will miss my musical brother."

Ray Manzarek is survived by his wife, Dorothy, brothers Rick and James Manczarek, son Pablo Manzarek, Pablo's wife Sharmin, and their children, Noah, Apollo and Camille. Funeral arrangements are pending. Donations can be made in Manzarek's name to www.standup2cancer.org.