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VH1 Classic Remembers Ray Manzarek Of The Doors

It's been two days since Ray Manzarek died after a lengthy battle with bile duct cancer and, if you're anything like us, you're still coming to grips with his loss. Thankfully, VH1 Classic decided to reshuffle all of its programming tomorrow night, Thursday May 23, in order to pay tribute to the life and legacy of the co-founder and keyboardist of The Doors. Please check out the following press release that just hit the wires for the complete details:

VH1 CLASSIC REMEMBERS RAY MANZAREK OF THE DOORS

“The Doors” Tribute Programming Set For Thursday, May 23rd Starting At 8PM ET/PT

New York (May 22, 2013) — To celebrate the life and music of Ray Manzarek, co-founder and keyboardist of The Doors, VH1 Classic is airing an evening of The Doors programming Thursday, May 23 starting at 8 PM ET/PT.

Spend Thursday evening with VH1 Classic remembering the life of Manzarek and the genius of his musicianship. Manzarek’s work on the Fender Rhodes piano and the Vox Continental organ was one of the defining traits of The Doors. The opening bars of “Light My Fire,” composed and performed by Manzarek, continues to be one of the most famous in rock history. In the 40 plus years after Jim Morrison’s death, Manzarek served as The Doors unofficial spokesperson and keeper of The Doors flame.

Beginning at 8 PM ET/PT and running throughout the day until midnight, tribute programming includes:

  • 8 PM: The Doors: Live At The Bowl- The Doors took the stage of the Hollywood Bowl on July 5, 1968 hot off the heels of their third album release. This concert has since made its way into the history books for being one of the most legendary rock shows of all time.

  • 9:30 PM: Classic Albums: The Doors “The Doors”- This one-hour documentary tells the story behind the making of the band’s eponymous first album, featuring interviews with Manzarek himself alongside Robbie Krieger and John Densmore.
  • 10:30 PM: encore airing of The Doors: Live At The Bowl
  • RELATED: R.I.P. Ray Manzarek, Co-Founder And Keyboardist Of The Doors (1939-2013)

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    [Photo: Getty Images]