Net Worth Ranker
What Is Ray Manzarek’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on May 20, 2013, Ray Manzarek, the American musician, singer, producer, film director, and author, had a net worth of $15 million. This valuation reflected his extensive career in the music industry, primarily as a co-founder and member of the iconic rock band, The Doors.
Early Life and Education
Raymond Daniel Manczarek Jr. was born on February 12, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois. He attended St. Rita of Cascia High School and graduated in 1956. Subsequently, he enrolled at DePaul University, where he earned a degree in economics in 1960. During his time at DePaul, he played piano in his fraternity’s jazz band. Later, Manzarek attended UCLA School of Law briefly before transferring to UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television, where he earned his MFA in cinematography in 1965.
The Doors: A Career Defining Chapter
In 1965, Manzarek’s musical journey took a pivotal turn when Rick & the Ravens evolved into The Doors. The lineup, consisting of Manzarek, Jim Morrison, John Densmore, and Robby Krieger, quickly gained prominence in the Los Angeles music scene. They became the house band at the London Fog nightclub on the Sunset Strip and later at the Whisky a Go Go. The Doors signed with Elektra Records and released their self-titled debut album in 1967, which peaked at number two on the Billboard 200. The album featured the hit single “Light My Fire.” Their subsequent albums, including “Strange Days” (1967) and “Waiting for the Sun” (1968), continued their success, with “Waiting for the Sun” becoming their only number-one album. The band’s fourth album, “The Soft Parade,” was released in 1969, followed by “Morrison Hotel” and “L.A. Woman” in the early 70s. “L.A. Woman” was the last album recorded before Morrison’s death. The band’s final two albums, “Full Circle” and “An American Prayer,” were released in 1972 and 1978, respectively. The Doors’s enduring popularity cemented Ray Manzarek’s legacy and contributed significantly to his financial success, impacting his Ray Manzarek’s Net Worth.
Solo Career and Other Musical Ventures
Manzarek embarked on his solo career in 1974 with the album “The Golden Scarab,” followed by “The Whole Thing Started with Rock and Roll Now It’s Out of Control.” Although these albums did not achieve the same level of success as The Doors, they demonstrated Manzarek’s versatility as a musician. In 1977, he founded the rock band Nite City, which released two studio albums, “Nite City” and “Golden Days Diamond Nights.” Neither album achieved commercial success. In 2002, Manzarek co-founded Manzarek-Krieger with former Doors bandmate Robby Krieger. The band toured extensively, performing Doors material. Manzarek also produced the first four albums by the punk band X and collaborated with Scott Richardson on spoken word and blues recordings. He also worked with poet Michael McClure and did improvisational compositions with poet Michael C. Ford. Later in his career, he collaborated with composer and trumpeter Bal on the album “Atonal Head” and with “Weird Al” Yankovic on the single “Craigslist.” Other collaborations included Roy Rogers, DJ Skrillex, Darryl Read, and Echo & the Bunnymen. These diverse collaborations expanded Manzarek’s musical portfolio and contributed to his overall Ray Manzarek’s Net Worth.
Real Estate Holdings
In 2000, Ray Manzarek purchased a 6,500 square foot home on 2.24 acres in Napa, California, for $1.15 million. This property served as his residence during the last decade of his life. After his death, in 2015, Ray’s widow sold the home for $2.5 million, reflecting a significant appreciation in value over the years. This real estate investment contributed to Ray Manzarek’s Net Worth.
Personal Life and Death
In late 1967, Manzarek married Dorothy Aiko Fujikawa, a fellow UCLA alumna. They had a son named Pablo in 1973. The couple divided their time between residences in West Hollywood, California, and New York City, later settling in Beverly Hills. In his last decade, Manzarek lived with his wife in Napa Valley. Ray Manzarek was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2013 and sought treatment in Germany. He passed away on May 20, 2013, at the age of 74.
Ray Manzarek’s Net Worth: A Summary
Ray Manzarek’s Net Worth of $15 million at the time of his death was primarily derived from his successful music career, particularly as a co-founder and member of The Doors. His contributions to the band’s iconic albums and hit singles, coupled with his solo work and collaborations, solidified his financial standing. His real estate investments, such as the property in Napa, California, further augmented his wealth. Ray Manzarek’s net worth is a testament to his enduring legacy and influence in the music industry.
